The first storm of the year, Storm Austen, is set to bring travel chaos and flooding to parts of Scotland this weekend, with the Met Office issuing a yellow warning for persistent heavy rain.
The national forecaster named the storm yesterday (October 21), and it is expected to bring gusts of up to 70mph to Wales and parts of England, where an amber weather warning has been issued. However, the storm is now set to impact southern, central and north east Scotland, with a yellow rain warning in place.
Warning details and affected areas
The yellow warning will be in effect from 6am on Friday, October 23, until 3am on Saturday, October 24. A total of 26 areas in Scotland are under the warning, covering Grampian, Strathclyde, Fife, Central, Lothian and south west Scotland.
The affected areas include Angus, Clackmannanshire, Dundee, Falkirk, Fife, Perth and Kinross, Stirling, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, East Ayrshire, East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire, Dumfries and Galloway, East Lothian, Edinburgh, Midlothian Council, Scottish Borders and West Lothian.
Expected rainfall and impacts
Up to 80mm of rainfall is possible in some locations. The Met Office stated: "An area of heavy rain will develop across southern and central areas of Scotland before dawn Friday in association with Storm Austen, extending over northeast Scotland during the morning and early afternoon."
The forecaster added: "Accumulations of 20-40 mm are expected widely within the warning area through this period, with 60-80 mm possible in some locations, bringing flooding and travel disruption in a few places. The rain will turn lighter and clear from the west through the evening and overnight."
Potential impacts include damage to homes and businesses, delays and cancellations to public transport, difficult driving conditions due to spray and flooding, and the possibility of some communities being cut off by flooded roads. Power cuts are also possible.
Advice for residents
Motorists are urged to check road conditions before making journeys. Homeowners in affected areas are advised to check their property for potential flood risks and have an emergency flood kit on hand. Residents are also urged to gather torches, batteries, power banks and other essentials in case the power goes out.
With Storm Austen still developing, Scots are advised to keep an eye on further weather warnings for their area this weekend.
