Scotland is bracing for a severe weather crisis as heavy rainfall continues to wreak havoc across the country. Ten people have been airlifted to safety after landslides and flooding caused widespread disruptions. Weather warnings remain in place, with the Met Office issuing a yellow rain warning covering much of the country and a separate amber warning for central Scotland, Tayside, and Fife.
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency has issued 53 localized flood warnings for areas across central and northern Scotland, while rail services have been severely disrupted. Avanti West Coast has advised customers not to travel between Scotland and Preston, and Transpenine Express services have been affected. At some railway stations, the tracks were completely submerged in water.
Scotland’s national train operator, ScotRail, has announced a series of cancellations affecting services until Sunday morning. The West Highland line, which operates in Oban, Mallaig, and Fort William, will be suspended, as will services between Helensburgh Central/Balloch and Dalmuir. Temporary speed restrictions have been put in place on the majority of other routes as a safety precaution.
The Met Office has warned that the extreme weather could present a danger to life, with rainfall of 50-75mm forecast in low-lying areas and close to 100mm on higher ground. Sepa’s flood duty manager, Vincent Fitzsimons, urged people to make “very clear” that this is not a normal autumn day for Scotland. “We’re expecting extensive river and surface water flooding in affected areas. There is a danger to life,” he said.
Storm Babet Brings Devastating Floods to ScotlandTransport Minister Fiona Hyslop advised people to plan their journeys before setting off and to follow travel advice from Police Scotland. Scotland’s government resilience room officials met on Friday afternoon to gather and assess the latest updates from the Met Office, Sepa, Transport Scotland, Police Scotland, and utilities ahead of the amber weather warning.
Meanwhile, conditions in the south of the UK are expected to be much milder, with temperatures in south-east England forecast to reach as high as 24C on Saturday and remain similarly high on Sunday. Oli Claydon, a spokesperson for the Met Office, said the difference between Scotland and the south lies in the forecast persistent and heavy rain across Scotland, particularly in western Scotland.
Rainfall in Scotland is expected to move northwards through Sunday, with dry and more cloudy conditions expected in parts. The Met Office warned that residents should stay indoors unless absolutely necessary, and to avoid traveling unless absolutely essential. As the country prepares for the worst, residents are advised to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and well-being.