The Met Office has issued amber and yellow weather warnings across parts of the UK, with heavy downpours expected to bring a risk of flash flooding and travel disruption on Thursday. The amber warning covers areas of Scotland, including Clackmannanshire, Falkirk, Fife, Perth and Kinross, Stirling, the Highlands, Eilean Siar, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray, and will remain in place until 6pm.
Further yellow warnings are in effect for Northern Ireland, parts of south Wales and south west England, with up to 20mm of rain forecast in South Wales, Somerset, Devon and Dorset. The Met Office has warned that homes and businesses are likely to face flooding, with probable travel delays, cancellations to public transport, and possible power cuts in some communities.
In Scotland, widespread accumulations of 60-80mm of rain are expected, with up to 100-120mm over high ground. ScotRail has imposed speed restrictions on routes from Perth to Inverness and Aberdeen to Inverness, while ferry operator CalMac has cancelled all Oban-Coll-Tiree services on Thursday. Drivers are advised to proceed with caution, as spray and flooding could lead to difficult conditions and road closures.
Police Scotland has urged motorists to take extra care, and restrictions due to high winds were issued on the Forth Road Bridge on Thursday morning. The Met Office has advised people in affected areas to prepare a flood kit containing insurance documents, a torch, spare batteries, a first aid kit, prescription medicines, warm waterproof clothing, blankets, food and water.
