Scotland Gathers Forces to Weather the Storm

As Scotland prepares for the relentless battering from Storm Babet, First Minister Humza Yousaf warned against unnecessary travel in certain parts of the country. The storm, which is moving east from Ireland after sweeping in from the Atlantic, is expected to bring heavy wind and rain, posing a “risk to life” to residents.

“I urge everyone to be aware of the challenging weather we’re due to experience across Scotland, most severe from Thursday 18:00 to Friday 12:00,” said Yousaf on X, formerly Twitter. “Weather warnings across Angus and the North East have been upgraded to Red. Travel should be avoided unless absolutely essential.”

The Scottish government is working closely with local resilience partners, including emergency services, to ensure public safety and mitigate disruption. The Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning for parts of eastern Scotland, warning of “danger to life from fast-flowing or deep flood water” in Aberdeenshire and Angus. The forecast predicts extensive flooding, road closures, and power cuts, potentially leaving some areas cut off for days.

This is the first red warning for rain issued in the UK since Storm Dennis in February 2020. Storm Babet, a complex area of low pressure that developed to the west of the Iberian peninsula, has been named by the Met Office. The storm is expected to cause flooding, power cuts, and travel disruption until Saturday.

The Met Office has issued yellow severe weather warnings across the week, covering already saturated parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern and eastern England. Residents are advised to stay up to date with warnings from local flood warning agencies and authorities.

Transport Scotland has advised the public to avoid travel in red warning areas, while Police Scotland warns of extremely dangerous driving conditions, significant delays, and disruption. The force advises against any form of travel during the period of the red weather warning.

As the storm approaches, the Scottish government and its partners are working tirelessly to ensure public safety and reduce disruption. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and follow the advice from authorities to minimize risk.