UK: Adverse weather forecast across majority of the country through at least Jan. 2 /update 1

Severe weather is forecast across most of the UK through at least Jan. 2. The UK Met Office has issued the following warnings:

• Amber (the middle level on a three-tier scale) rain warnings: between Inverness and Fort William Dec. 31.

• Yellow rain and snow warnings: most of Scotland Dec. 31.

• Yellow rain warnings: most of Wales and west-central England Dec. 31-Jan. 1.

• Yellow wind warnings: most of Northern Ireland, far southern Scotland, and northern England Dec. 31 and southern and central Wales and southern England Jan. 1.

• Yellow snow and ice warnings: northern Scotland Jan. 1-2.

Speed restrictions are in place on many ScotRail routes through at least Jan. 2. Train services between Inverness and Edinburgh and Glasgow Queen Street are either canceled, delayed, or revised. Network Rail Scotland temporarily closed the Highland Main Line at Kingussie due to river levels on the Gynack Burn rising above safe limits. Similarly, authorities closed the Crianlarich-Oban line due to flooding between Tyndrum Lower and Dalmally. Both lines have since reopened. CalMac canceled or diverted several ferry services early Dec. 31 and warned that further disruptions are possible.

Heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

The severe weather may contribute to transport disruptions throughout the region. Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Flooding downpours could inundate some low-lying roads in areas with poor drainage. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. Hazardous weather conditions might cause flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected area.

Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.