Scotland’s weather: Flood warnings issued

WARNINGS of flooding from heavy showers falling on already saturated ground were issued by the Met Office.

Flooding in the town of Kilwinning, Ayrshire. Picture: HeMedia

It came as a yellow “be aware” severe weather warning for a swathe of western and south-western Scotland was extended into Wednesday.

Four flood warnings were issued by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, which said a caravan park and homes at Denholm in the Borders were at risk from the River Teviot bursting its banks.

A spokesman said: “River levels are rising as a result of the heavy and persistent rainfall during Tuesday.”

Flooding in the town of Kilbirnie, Ayrshire. Picture: HeMedia

The other warnings were for fields adjoining three stretches of the River Earn in Perthshire.

Flood alerts were also in force for much of western and central Scotland, including Dumfries and Galloway. The Met Office said further heavy showers and thunderstorms would sweep in from the south overnight, with up to 30mm (1.2in) of rain.

Forecasters said: “The main impact will come from short-period heavier outbreaks falling onto already saturated ground.”

The Met Office said nearly 38mm (1.5in) of rain had fallen at both Eskdalemuir in Dumfries and Galloway, and in Perthshire, on Monday, with almost 26mm (1in) in Glasgow.

Suburban trains in northern Glasgow to Springburn, Motherwell and Lanark were hit by 2ft of water covering tracks at Dalmuir, near Clydebank.

30mm of rain expected

Flood watches are in force for much of western and central Scotland, including Dumfries and Galloway.

The Met Office said further heavy showers and thunderstorms would sweep in from the south overnight, with up to 30mm (1.2in) of rain set to fall.

It said: “The main impact will come from short-period heavier outbreaks falling onto already saturated ground.”

The Met Office said nearly 38mm (1.5in) of rain had fallen at both Eskdalemuir in Dumfries and Galloway, with the same level of rainfall in Perthshire. Almost 26mm (1in) of rain was reported to have fallen in Glasgow.

Road and rail closures

Roads closed included the A737 west of Paisley, which was under 2ft of water between Kilbarchan and Howwood in Renfrewshire.

Streets were closed by flooding in the Blochairn, Summerston and Ruchill areas in north Glasgow.

Elsewhere, flooding caused tricky driving on the A9 at Greenloaning north of Dunblane, the A7 around Galashiels, and on the M74 south of Glasgow.

On the railways, suburban trains across northern Glasgow to Springburn, Motherwell and Lanark were hit by 2ft of water covering tracks at Dalmuir, near Clydebank.

Network Rail said the flooding had blocked tunnels, forcing the closure of the Yoker line between Dalmuir and Garscadden.

There was also flooding between Westerton and Anniesland.

A spokesman said: “Heavy rain in the early hours overwhelmed the pumps and drainage in the area.”

Claire Austin, a forecaster with MeteoGroup, said: “There will be one or two showers overnight before we get another push of heavy rain spreading in from the south and south west overnight.

“We are expecting some heavy downpours and maybe even a rumble of thunder over western areas.”