The Met Office has significantly escalated its weather alert for parts of north-east Scotland, upgrading a previous yellow warning to a more serious amber level. This change signals a heightened risk of flooding to homes and businesses across a wide area.
Warning Details and Affected Regions
The amber warning for rain is scheduled to be active from midnight until 6pm. It covers extensive parts of Clackmannanshire, Falkirk, Fife, Perth and Kinross, Stirling, the Highlands, Eilean Siar, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, and Moray. Concurrently, a separate yellow warning for rain remains in force for most of north-east Scotland from 6pm on Wednesday until 11.59pm on Friday.
Expected Impacts and Disruptions
The Met Office has indicated that flooding in the more severely affected areas is likely, which could lead to significant property damage. There is also a strong possibility of delays or cancellations to bus and train services, with some communities potentially becoming temporarily isolated. Power cuts are considered a possible outcome of the severe weather conditions.
In addition to the Met Office alerts, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has implemented a flood warning for the Churchill Barriers in the Orkney Isles. Furthermore, six less severe flood alerts are active across parts of north-east and central Scotland.
Transport Network Preparations and Advice
The Scottish Government has confirmed that its multi-agency response team is closely monitoring the deteriorating conditions. Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop urged the public to exercise caution, stating: "The Met Office is forecasting heavy rain in parts of eastern Scotland over the next few days, which will likely bring disruption to the transport network."
She advised all travellers to plan their journeys in advance. Motorists were directed to use the Traffic Scotland service for real-time updates on trunk road conditions via its website, social media channels, and radio broadcasts. Similar checks were recommended for rail, air, and ferry travel.
Specific transport operators have already enacted contingency measures:
- ScotRail has imposed speed restrictions on its Perth to Inverness route from 6pm Wednesday until 9.30am Saturday, and on its Aberdeen to Inverness routes from 12.01am Thursday until 12pm Friday.
- CalMac ferry services have cancelled all Oban-Coll-Tiree sailings for Thursday, warning that other services may face last-minute cancellations or delays.
Police Safety Guidance for Motorists
Police Scotland has issued strong advice for drivers during the warning period. Chief Superintendent Scott McCarren, head of road policing, emphasised the hazards: "The amber warning for rain means there is a high risk of disruption on the road network and travel conditions may be hazardous."
He recommended avoiding non-essential travel until conditions improve. For those who must drive, he provided a detailed checklist:
- Plan your route ahead of time.
- Ensure your vehicle is suitably equipped for poor conditions.
- Carry warm clothing, food, water, and ensure your mobile phone is charged.
- Have plenty of fuel, as delays may be prolonged.
- Pay strict attention to road signage regarding floods or surface water.
- Do not attempt to use routes that have been closed.
The public is advised to stay informed through media updates and to regularly consult the Traffic Scotland website and social media channels for the latest information on affected roads.
