Weather Warnings Issued as Heavy Rain Brings Threat of Flooding
The Met Office has issued a series of rain warnings for extensive parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and the south west of England throughout Thursday, with the persistent downpours creating a substantial threat of flooding and widespread disruption across the country.
Amber and Yellow Warnings in Force
Amber and yellow weather warnings are currently in place for multiple regions. The amber warning, which remains active until 6pm on Thursday, affects significant areas including Clackmannanshire, Falkirk, Fife, Perth and Kinross, Stirling, the Highlands, Eilean Siar, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray.
A separate yellow warning for rain covers most of north east Scotland and is valid until 11.59pm on Friday. Meanwhile, a yellow warning coming into effect at 8am on Thursday encompasses south Wales, Somerset and parts of Devon and Dorset, where up to 20mm of rainfall is forecast.
Significant Rainfall Predictions
The Met Office has indicated that rain falling on already saturated ground is likely to lead to flooding and considerable disruption. In Northern Ireland, a further yellow warning was activated from 10am on Thursday for the remainder of the day.
Predictions suggest up to 40mm could fall in some locations, primarily on higher ground, with 15-25mm expected widely. The forecaster has warned that homes and businesses in the most affected areas face probable flooding.
Transport and Travel Disruption
Substantial travel disruption is anticipated across the warned regions. The Met Office has highlighted potential delays or cancellations to public transport services, with some communities at risk of becoming cut off.
Specific transport impacts include:
- ScotRail has implemented speed restrictions on its Perth to Inverness route until 9.30am on Saturday, and on its Aberdeen to Inverness routes until 12pm on Friday.
- Ferry operator CalMac has cancelled all Oban-Coll-Tiree services for Thursday, advising that other services may face short-notice cancellations or delays.
- Restrictions were in place on the Forth Road Bridge on Thursday morning due to high winds, with drivers advised to exercise caution on various crossings around Scotland.
Public Safety Advice
Motorists have been strongly advised to take extra care on the roads, with Police Scotland specifically urging caution while the weather warnings remain active. The Met Office has also noted that power cuts are a possibility in the affected regions.
The warning for south Wales and southwest England is scheduled to last until 4pm on Thursday, when the heaviest rain is expected to clear towards the north east. Residents and travellers across all warned areas are encouraged to stay updated with the latest forecasts and travel advice.
