Heavy rain is expected to cause significant flooding and disruption across large parts of Scotland and other areas of the UK, as the Met Office issued an amber weather warning for rain, in place until 6pm on Thursday.
Forecasters warned that homes and businesses are likely to be flooded in the worst-affected areas, with a risk of damage to buildings and infrastructure. The amber warning covers parts of Clackmannanshire, Falkirk, Fife, Perth and Kinross, Stirling, the Highlands, Eilean Siar, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray.
The Met Office said the rainfall, falling on already saturated ground, increases the risk of surface water flooding and rising river levels. Some rivers may respond slowly to the heavy downpours, potentially prolonging impacts well into Thursday.
In addition to the amber alert, a yellow warning for rain remains in place across central Scotland, Tayside, Fife, the Grampian region, the Highlands and Eilean Siar. This warning, which began on Wednesday night, is expected to last until midnight on Friday.
Chief forecaster Dan Harris said rainfall would become “increasingly persistent and heavy” from late Wednesday into Thursday, particularly across eastern and central Scotland. He noted that areas of high ground exposed to strong south easterly winds could see more than 100mm of rain, while many locations within the wider warning areas are likely to receive between 50mm and 80mm.
“These conditions are expected to lead to flooding in some places,” Mr Harris said, adding that the slow response of rivers could result in ongoing impacts even after the heaviest rain clears to the north-east later on Thursday.
Transport disruption is already being felt, with ScotRail introducing speed restrictions on its Perth to Inverness route until 9.30am on Saturday, and on the Aberdeen to Inverness line until midday on Friday. Ferry operator CalMac has cancelled all Oban–Coll–Tiree sailings on Thursday, warning that other services could face short-notice delays or cancellations.
High winds have compounded the situation, with restrictions placed on the Forth Road Bridge on Thursday morning. Drivers have been urged to take extra care on exposed crossings across the country.
Elsewhere in the UK, parts of South Wales, Somerset and areas of Devon and Dorset are under a yellow rain warning from 8am on Thursday. These regions could see up to 20mm of rainfall, which may also cause localised flooding and travel disruption.
The Met Office has advised residents in affected areas to remain vigilant, monitor local flood alerts and avoid unnecessary travel where possible. Emergency services and local authorities are on standby as the unsettled weather continues to move across the country.
