Heavy downpours brings threat of flooding as Met Office issues weather warnings
Flooding and travel disruptions are expected in some parts of the country on Thursday, with forecasters predicting heavy rain will cause “life-endangerment”.
Yellow and amber warnings have been issued by the Met Office for several parts of Scotland, while yellow warnings have also been issued for Northern Ireland, parts of south Wales and south-west England.
The amber warning will last until 6pm on Thursday and will affect Clackmannanshire, Falkirk, Fife, Perth and parts of Kinross, Stirling, Highlands, Eilean Siar, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray.
There is a further yellow warning for rain for much of north-east Scotland until 11.59pm on Friday.
Forecasters expect up to 20mm of rain to fall in South Wales, Somerset and parts of Devon and Dorset on Thursday; A yellow warning will be issued here at 8 am.
The warning will be in effect until 16:00 on Thursday, when the heaviest rain will fall in the northeast.
The Met Office said rain will be persistent and heavy on Thursday, with widespread accumulations of up to 60-80mm likely at higher elevations in Scotland and up to 100-120mm.
Up to 40mm of rain is expected to fall in some places, mostly on higher ground, with 15-25mm commonly expected to fall throughout the day.
The Met Office warned that homes and businesses in more affected areas could face flooding, possible travel delays and public transport cancellations, and possibly power cuts in some communities.
ScotRail has speed restrictions on its routes from Perth to Inverness until 9.30am on Saturday and from Aberdeen to Inverness until 12pm on Friday.
Ferry operator CalMax canceled all Oban-Coll-Tiree sailings on Thursday and said some other sailings may be canceled or postponed at short notice.
Motorists are advised to use caution at various crossings around Scotland as water and flooding can cause difficult driving conditions and possible road closures. Police Scotland has urged motorists to take extra care when traveling while weather warnings remain in place. Restrictions were put in place on the Forth Road Bridge on Thursday morning due to high winds.
The Met Office said some communities were likely to be cut off by flooded roads. The forecast service advised people in affected areas to prepare a flood kit to prevent loss or damage to their homes or businesses.
The flood kit should include: insurance and other important documents, a flashlight and spare batteries; a first aid kit, prescription medications, and supplies to care for your family members or pets; and warm, waterproof clothing, blankets, food and water.
