Scotland’s weather: Gales and flood warnings

Two Stornoway residents use their bodyboards to get around. Picture: Malcolm Macleod

The yellow - “be aware” - alerts came as strong winds and tidal surges forced the cancellation of several CalMac ferry sailings on the west coast today.

Forecasters said gusts of up to 70mph would batter the Hebrides tomorrow, with high tides and large waves threatening flooding.

On Wednesday, up to 40mm (1.6in) of rain is forecast in Aberdeenshire and Tayside north of Perth, with gale force winds.

A Met Office spokesman said: “With river levels remaining high and catchments saturated, the public should be aware that some minor disruption due to river flooding is likely.

“Run-off from fields will increase the risk of localised flooding on the road network.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has already issued 13 flood alerts, where flooding is possible, which cover much of Scotland.

CalMac sailings on the Kintyre-Islay, Oban-Barra/South Uist and Mallaig-Small Isles routes were cancelled today because of winds of up to 53mph.

The ferry operator warned of further disruption tomorrow.

Drivers were warned of high winds on the Forth, Tay, Friarton (M90 Perth), Kessock, Skye and Dornoch bridges today.

Trains between Kilwinning, Ardrossan and Largs in North Ayrshire were halted today because of overhead power line problems on a coastal section of the route at Saltcoats.

The Environment Agency warned the whole of the south of England would be at an “increased risk” of flooding within the next 24 hours.

Some 180 homes have been flooded so far, with Somerset among the worst affected areas.

Three severe flood warnings - meaning danger to life - are in force for the River Severn.

The agency said that as high tides and large waves threatened the south coast, further rain on already saturated ground could lead to river flooding.