Storms Dampen UK Festivities with Floods and Chaos

Heavy rains and strong winds caused widespread flooding across parts of the UK, disrupting New Year's celebrations. Major incidents were declared in areas such as Manchester, with evacuations and mountain rescue operations. Climate change is seen as a contributor to the unusual weather patterns.

Heavy rains and strong winds wreaked havoc across parts of the United Kingdom, dampening New Year's celebrations and causing widespread flooding on Wednesday.

The Manchester area was particularly hard-hit, with homes evacuated and cars submerged as nearly a month's worth of rain fell over two days. Authorities declared a major incident, deploying mountain rescue teams to assist with emergency responses, Greater Manchester Police reported.

Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan warned of further potential flooding, as communities grappled with surging waters and the stark realities of climate change. In Didsbury, geography professor Tom Coulthard observed riverbanks overflowing, noting the shifting environmental conditions reshaping local weather patterns. The UK's signature New Year's Eve events, including Edinburgh's fireworks and London's parade, faced cancellations and delays, reflecting the widespread impact of the turbulent weather.

(With inputs from agencies.)