UK: Adverse weather forecast across majority of the country through at least Jan. 6 /update 2

Severe weather is forecast across most of the UK through at least Jan. 6. The UK Met Office has issued the following warnings:

• Yellow (lowest level on a three-tier scale) snow and ice warnings: Northern Scotland Jan. 2.

• Yellow ice warnings: Northern England, Northern Ireland, the rest of Scotland, and northern Wales Jan. 2.

• Yellow snow warnings: Most of England, far southeastern Scotland, and Wales Jan. 4-6.

Authorities declared a major incident in Greater Manchester following flooding. The worst affected areas are Bolton, Didsbury, Harpurhey, Stalybridge, Stockport, and Wigan. At least 1,300 people evacuated from their homes in Greater Manchester. Around 400 people at Meadow Mill in Stockport evacuated to a council refuge center at Holdsworth Mill in nearby Reddish. At least 500 people at Britannia Country House Hotel in Didsbury, Manchester, evacuated using boats. Evacuations are also ongoing at Little Bollington following the collapse of an aqueduct at the Bridgewater Canal. Reports indicate flooding in Ormskirk, West Lancashire, around Halsall Lane and surrounding streets; Ormskirk Civic Hall in Lancashire is opened for affected residents.

A number of train routes were disrupted or blocked by flooding, mainly in the North West of England, with some Northern services, TransPennine Express services, Transport for Wales services, and South Western Railway services affected. As of early Jan. 2, most services have resumed. Flooding on the line between Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport train stations led to major disruptions and cancellations. Trains between Manchester Airport and the city's stations, between Manchester and Liverpool Lime Street, and from both Liverpool and Manchester to Huddersfield, Leeds, and York are suspended. ScotRail services on the Far North Line between Inverness and Wick/Thurso remain suspended Jan. 2. Services on the Highland Main Line and West Highland Line to Mallaig and Oban are likely to resume following inspections early Jan. 2. All other ScotRail services are expected to operate normally Jan. 2.

Several roads were temporarily closed due to flooding, including parts of the A628 Woodhead Pass between Woolley Bridge and Flouch, westbound M56 between Junction 6 for Manchester Airport and Junction 8 for Bowdon, and M57 in Merseyside between Junction 6 for Kirkby and Junction 7 for Switch Island, Aintree.

Heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding may occur 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 could occur where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

The severe weather will probably contribute to transport disruptions throughout the region. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are likely along regional highways. Strong winds will probably pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. Severe weather conditions may 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.