Heavy rain expected to cause travel disruption as amber warning issued

Heavy rain is expected to bring disruption to transport across Scotland’s North East, with the Met Office having issued an amber warning.

The warning for rain will come into force from midnight on Thursday and will last until 3pm on Friday.

It will cover parts of the Grampian, Tayside, Central and Fife regions.

A yellow warning for rain will remain in place for a large part of eastern Scotland until Friday evening.

The rain is expected to make driving difficult with potentially reduced visibility and surface water.

Police Scotland has warned of a high risk of disruption to travel in affected areas.

Motorists are being urged to prepare for potential delays to journeys.

Transport minister Jenny Gilruth underlined the need for people to plan their journeys in advance.

“The Met Office is warning us to expect a period of difficult weather in parts of eastern Scotland throughout Friday, with heavy rain likely to impact travel in the amber warning area in the North East,” said Gilruth.

“The conditions could potentially bring disruption to the transport network, so it’s important people plan their journeys before they set off, particularly if they’re looking to use the trunk roads or travel by rail.

“Motorists should make sure their routes are available, follow travel advice from Police Scotland and drive to the conditions.”

The minister added: “If you are planning to travel by rail, please check with your operator ahead of your journey to see if your service is affected.”

Chief superintendent Louise Blakelock, heading of road policing, stated that people are urged to avoid travel if it is not necessary.

She said: “As an amber warning for heavy rain has been issued, we are urging motorists to plan ahead and avoid unnecessary travel.

“The Met Office, SEPA and Traffic Scotland websites have valuable information about weather disruptions and we would advise people to check these sites before setting off on your journey.

“If you do need to drive, make sure you and your vehicle are suitably prepared by having sufficient fuel, waterproofs, warm clothing, food and water in the event you are delayed and be mindful of increased stopping distances when breaking.”

David Faichney, flood duty manager for SEPA, explained that disruption to the transport network is “likely”, with difficult driving conditions anticipated.

“A period of persistent and heavy rain is forecast across much of eastern Scotland from Thursday evening into Friday afternoon,” he said.

“Surface water and river flooding impacts are possible from eastern Borders to Aberdeenshire on both days.

“On Friday, Aberdeenshire and Angus in particular could experience significant impacts. These may include flooding in parts of communities, property and agricultural land.

“Disruption to the transport network is also likely, including difficult driving conditions.”