New Year's Day travel chaos as blast of snow to hit flights and train services

There could be travel chaos on New Year's Day amid a blast of snow expected to hit the UK. Snow and fierce winds could hit Greater Manchester and other parts of the UK between December 30 and January 2.

Forecasters at the Met Office have issued nine weather warnings for parts of the UK over the three-day period, including two in Greater Manchester.

A yellow warning for snow comes into force at 9am on Wednesday, January 1, and lasts until 3am on Thursday. The warning covers much of the North, including northern and eastern areas of Greater Manchester, plus the city centre.

The Met Office said: "Heavy and persistent snow may bring disruption on Wednesday and Wednesday night. A band of rain in association with a deep low pressure system moving in from the west pushes east on Wednesday. This is likely to turn to snow as it moves into cold air across the northern half of the UK.

"Two to five cm and locally nearer 10 cm of snow accumulations are possible widely, with 10-15 cm and locally 20-25 cm over hills with significant drifting due to strong winds." Meanwhile, a larger area of the England, Wales and southern Scotland is also covered by a yellow warning for wind on New Year's Day."

The weather alert warns that snow is also likely to cause travel disruption, including to train services and roads, as well as causing cancellations or delays to flights. The Met Office warned people to 'stay aware' if they have plans over the New Year period.

"It will be an unsettled week ahead with a series of low pressure systems moving across the country. These will bring the risk of heavy rain, strong winds and some snow. Warnings have been issued so please stay #weatheraware if you have plans over the New Year," a post said on X.

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