Scotland’s weather: Warnings over wind, flooding

HEAVY rain and winds of up to 70mph will batter south west Scotland tomorrow, the Met Office has warned.

The protective cofferdams are seen at the foot of the towers.

Forecasters said “large” rain totals would accumulate, of up to 80mm (3.2in) on hilltops, threatening flooding.

A yellow - “be aware” - severe weather warning was issued for the western half of Scotland south of Skye until Sunday afternoon, which has been extended into Monday for Dumfries and Galloway and the southern Borders.

Seven flood warnings were in force tonight in Perthshire, for stretches of the Rivers Earn, Lyon, Tay and Tummel.

Ferry sailings were cancelled on six of CalMac’s west coast routes today, including to Arran, Colonsay and Iona, amid winds gusting to 56mph.

Strong winds also affected Scotland’s main bridges, with a 40mph speed limit on the Forth Road Bridge.

A Met Office spokesman said: “Persistent rain will turn heavy at times through Sunday and into Monday morning across south west Scotland, Cumbria and north west Wales.

“Large totals will build up, particularly over hills. Winds will be strong and from the south, with gusts of 60mph or so over coasts and hills, perhaps locally around 70mph.

“The public should be aware of the risk of flooding.

“A slow-moving cold front will bring a band of rain across the area, with moisture-laden air releasing large amounts of rain where strong winds hit rising ground.

“More than 80mm are expected over some hill tops, with 30-40mm (1.2-1.6) more widely.”