Scotland’s weather: Met warns of chaos in floods and gales

By JENNY FYALL
Published on 13/05/2012 00:00

DOWNPOURS, floods and gale-force winds will hit much of Scotland today following a brief sunny break in the clouds yesterday, the Met Office has warned.

A yellow weather warning for rain has been issued for Strathclyde, Central, Tayside, Fife, Highlands and the Western Isles.

The Met Office’s chief forecaster said up to 4cm of rain will fall in the warning area, with up to 7cm in the western Highlands, where there will be a risk of flooding. “Unusually strong” winds will gust to around 60mph in coastal areas and on hills, with the conditions likely to cause travel disruption.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has issued flood alerts for the same area. This is the lowest warning level, which means flooding is possible and people should be prepared.

Among events likely to be hampered by the bad weather are the Etape Caledonia, which attracts more than 5,000 cyclists to Highland Perthshire.

“Wet and very windy weather will affect Scotland during Sunday,” the Met Office said.

“The rain will be persistent and heaviest across western Scotland. In addition, gale-force southwesterly winds will affect many places, with severe gales along exposed parts of the west coast.”

“The public should be aware that the combination of heavy rain and gales may lead to travel disruption.”

Sepa said: “Heavy and persistent rainfall on Sunday is expected to result in surface water flooding, particularly of roads. There may also be flooding from smaller watercourses.

“People should remain vigilant, and remember: it is your responsibility to take actions which help protect yourself and your property.”

The downpours come after the sunniest conditions yesterday since March. However, this week is expected to bring steady rain, with the Met Office warning of unsettled weather for the rest of the month.

In England, strong winds blew a 75-year-old woman to her death in front of her husband.

The pensioner was blown into the sea at Knott End, near Fleetwood, Lancashire, on Thursday.