The Met Office has issued flood warnings across nine areas in Scotland for today and tomorrow. The weather agency warned that up to 110mm of rain could fall over the worst hit areas in the west, and when combined with rising temperatures, this could increase the risk of flooding as accumulated snow begins to melt.
Five areas have been hit with a yellow rain alert in Northern Scotland until 10am tomorrow, with the agency warning that “heavy rain and snow melt will bring the possibility of some flooding”. Four areas in southwest Scotland have been issued yellow rain warnings until midnight tonight, January 11, facing potential travel disruption and “some flooding”.
In the northwest, 40-60 mm of rain could fall quite widely across the warning area, but Skye, Lochaber, Argyll and the Trossachs could be battered with 80-110 mm of rainfall.
The precipitation may initially fall as snow before it turns to rain as the day progresses. The Met Office warned that spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and road closures, as well as potential delays or cancellations to train and bus services.
It warned that there was a “small chance” that some homes and businesses could be flooded, and some communities could become cut off by flooded roads. Power cuts may also occur.
A separate alert in southwest Scotland warned of “heavy rain”, with 30-50mm potentially falling over the warning areas, and up to 70-90mm possible over the higher ground of Dumfries and Galloway.
David Morgan, the flood duty manager at the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), said the flood risk was greatest in Dumfries and Galloway, and the west and north of Scotland.
He added: “Possible impacts could include flooding affecting parts of communities, low lying land, transport infrastructure and individual properties. Driving conditions will be very difficult at times.”
As low pressure pushes mild air in from the Atlantic, the next few days could mark the end of a bitterly cold period in the UK.
Temperatures forecast by WXCharts predict that the south of England will reach 11C by midday tomorrow, while the north could sit between 5C and 10C, and Scotland will reach low single figures. Wales and Northern Ireland could reach 8C to 9C.
Its weather maps show a huge band of rain will move across the country on Sunday, and by tomorrow morning, only scattered showers will be left behind.
Brits can keep up to date on the latest flooding information on SEPA’s website.
