The Met Office has issued amber and yellow weather warnings for heavy rain across parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, south Wales, and south west England, with flooding and travel disruptions expected on Thursday.
The amber warning, in effect until 6pm Thursday, covers Clackmannanshire, Falkirk, Fife, Perth and Kinross, Stirling, Highlands, Eilean Siar, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, and Moray. A separate yellow warning for rain remains in place for much of north east Scotland until Friday night.
Forecasters predict widespread rainfall of 60-80mm, with up to 120mm over high ground in Scotland. In south Wales, Somerset, and parts of Devon and Dorset, a yellow warning from 8am to 4pm Thursday expects 20mm of rain.
The Met Office warns of flooding to homes and businesses, travel delays, cancellations, and possible power cuts. ScotRail has imposed speed restrictions on routes from Perth to Inverness and Aberdeen to Inverness. CalMac has cancelled all Oban-Coll-Tiree ferry services, with other services potentially affected.
Drivers are advised to exercise caution due to spray and flooding, with potential road closures. Police Scotland urges extra care. The Forth Road Bridge has restrictions due to high winds. Communities may be cut off by flooded roads, and residents are advised to prepare a flood kit containing important documents, a torch, batteries, first aid kit, medications, supplies for family and pets, warm clothing, blankets, food, and water.
