The Met Office has escalated its weather alerts, issuing a combination of amber and yellow warnings across multiple regions of the United Kingdom. Heavy rainfall is forecast to bring significant disruption, with the potential for flooding and travel chaos from Scotland down to south-west England.
Widespread Warnings in Force
An amber warning, indicating a higher level of risk, is currently active until 6pm on Thursday for parts of Scotland. This alert covers areas including Clackmannanshire, Falkirk, Fife, Perth and Kinross, Stirling, the Highlands, Eilean Siar, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, and Moray. Simultaneously, yellow warnings for rain are in place for Northern Ireland, south Wales, and parts of south-west England, including Somerset, Devon, and Dorset.
Forecasted Rainfall and Impacts
The Met Office predicts substantial rainfall, with up to 20mm expected in south Wales and south-west England on Thursday, and a separate yellow warning for north-east Scotland forecasting rain until late Friday. In Northern Ireland, accumulations could reach 40mm in some elevated areas, with 15-25mm falling widely. The forecaster has emphasised that this rain falling on already saturated ground significantly increases the risk of flooding and associated disruption.
Transport and Travel Disruption
Major travel disruptions are anticipated. ScotRail has implemented speed restrictions on key routes, including Perth to Inverness until Saturday morning and Aberdeen to Inverness until Friday afternoon. Ferry services are also affected, with CalMac cancelling all Oban-Coll-Tiree services for Thursday and warning of potential last-minute cancellations or delays on other routes. On the roads, restrictions were in place on the Forth Road Bridge due to high winds, with drivers advised to exercise caution on crossings throughout Scotland.
The Met Office has warned that homes and businesses in the most affected areas are likely to experience flooding. Public transport may face delays or cancellations, and some communities could become temporarily cut off. Drivers are urged to take extra care on the roads, and there is a possibility of localised power cuts. Police Scotland has reinforced this message, advising motorists to travel with caution while the weather warnings remain active.
As the heaviest rain is expected to clear to the north-east by Thursday afternoon, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging the public to stay informed through official updates.
