Scotland’s weather: Alert over possible flooding

SCOTLAND’S second weather alert in four days for rain, strong winds and possible flooding has been issued for tomorrow, and continues into Tuesday for the far north.

Parts of Scotland are braced for rain, strong winds and the chance of flooding. Picture: Robert Perry

The Met Office today issued a yellow - “be aware” - warning for a band of the country north of the Central Belt, the north east, the west coast and Western and Northern Isles.

CalMac warned of further disruption to ferries tomorrow after cancelling sailings on five routes today, including to Barra, Colonsay and Eigg.

The Skye Bridge was closed to high-sided vehicles today because of the winds.

Forecasters said heavy rain and strong to gale-force winds (up to 46mph) would move east across Scotland tomorrow, with up to 40mm expected on lower ground (1.6in).

A Met Office spokesman said: “The public should be aware of the risk of surface water flooding and some disruption to travel, especially where drainage is reduced by fallen leaves.

“Some minor river flooding is also possible in the east of the warning area.”

Tomorrow night, winds are expected to increase to severe gale force with gusts of up to 75mph and heavy rain in Caithness, northern Moray and Aberdeenshire, and Orkney and Shetland.

The alert follows a yellow warning issued for heavy rain and strong winds last Friday.