Weather update: Heavy rain and wind expected to spread northeastwards

HEAVY rain has been forecast to spread north-eastwards across the UK today, with snow still affecting parts of Scotland.

Orkney and Shetland, Grampian, and Central Tayside and Fife will be hit by heavy rain today.

It is expected to last into the night, and is likely to be accompanied by gale force east or south-west winds at around 50mph on the coast.

The public are being advised to be aware of the potential for localised flooding.

The Met Office have predicted several gales over the Northern Isles, with some snow expected later on.

The rain and mountain snow are likely to persist through the night. Scattered, heavy showers are likely to affect southern and western areas.

Some traffic is being disrupted due to the adverse conditions. The A939 Cock Bridge, Northbound and the A821(Dukes Pass), between Aberfoyle and Brig o’ Turk have been closed due to adverse weather conditions. Motorists are being advised to take extra care when travelling in Dumfries & Galloway, Lothian & Borders and Strathclyde.

There has been disruption to ferry services in Northern Scotland due to high winds.

Services are delayed between on Gourock and Dunoon, Tarbert and Portavadie, Tarbert (Loch Fyne) and Lochranza, Kennacraig and Port Askaig, Ardminish (Gigha) and Tayinloan, Rothesay and Wemyss Bay,and Kennacraig and Port Ellen.

The 19:10 Condor Ferries service between Guernsey and Poole, the 17:30 Condor Ferries service between Jersey and Poole, and the 17:35 Calmac service between Ullapool and Stornoway have all been cancelled due to the adverse conditions.

The 17:00 Pentland Ferries service between St Margarets Hope and Gills Bay, the 19:00 Northlink Ferries service between Aberdeen and Lerwick and the 17:30 Northlink Ferries service between Lerwick and Aberdeen have also been cancelled.

Minimum disruption to air and rail travel is expected.