Severe Weather Warning Upgraded to Amber in Scottish Highlands
The Met Office has issued an upgraded weather warning for the Scottish Highlands, raising it from yellow to amber. The warning comes as the region braces for two days of heavy rainfall, which is expected to increase the risk of flooding, property damage, and dangerous road conditions.
From midnight tonight, an area south of Inverness is predicted to be particularly at risk. The Met Office has stated that heavy and persistent rain will affect much of Scotland from late Friday through to Sunday morning.
While most of the Highlands was already on high alert, the elevated warning for the Aviemore and south Loch Ness area indicates a higher probability of floods and damage to homes and businesses. The public is warned of the potential dangers such as danger to life due to fast-flowing or deep floodwater, power outages, delays in transportation, road closures, and an increased risk of accidents.
Neil Armstrong, the chief meteorologist at the Met Office, warns of widespread disruption and states that while Saturday into Sunday will be wet across Scotland, the heaviest rain and disruption will likely occur in western and central Scotland. Within the amber warning area, rainfall of 80-100mm is expected, with some of the wettest spots potentially experiencing as much as 150-180mm.
The rain is anticipated to gradually clear northward on Sunday morning. The Met Office will continually review their warnings, and it is crucial for individuals to stay updated with the latest forecast for their respective areas.
Authorities are preparing for the potential impact of the heavy rainfall. Ruth Ellis, flood duty manager for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), has described it as a major rainfall event that could lead to extensive river and surface water flooding, including property flooding and widespread transport disruption. She advises people to sign up for Floodline to receive updates and to check the flood updates regularly.
Transport Scotland is also urging the public to plan their journeys accordingly. Stein Connelly from Transport Scotland warns of potential disruptions to the transport network and advises motorists to check their routes, follow travel advice from the police, and drive according to the prevailing conditions. For real-time information, drivers can check the Traffic Scotland Twitter/X page or visit the mobile website my.trafficscotland.org.
Travelers using trains, ferries, or planes are advised to check with their operators for any potential impacts on services due to the weather conditions.
As the region prepares for the heavy rainfall and subsequent risks, it is important for residents and visitors to heed the warnings, stay updated with the latest information, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
