Met Office issue two yellow weather warnings for heavy rain across western parts of Scotland

Much of western Scotland is set to be battered by heavy downpours this week after the Met Office issued two yellow weather warnings for rain.

Wednesday’s yellow weather warning, which is in place until 1pm, covers Glasgow and surrounding areas as well as much of Ayrshire and Argyll and Bute and parts of the Highlands as far north as Fort William.

Flooding and spray on roads could lead to difficult driving conditions, with up to 50mm of rain falling in some areas, particularly in the Highlands.

Traffic Scotland has warned some roads may close due to flooding and have issued safety advice online for drivers, while disruption to public transport services is to be expected.

Power supplies could also be affected by the downpours.

Tweets by metofficeScot

ScotRail announced on Wednesday that a replacement bus service has been put in place on the West Highland route due to a fallen tree.

The rail provider has urged passengers to keep up to date with disruptions to services online and on social media.

Network Rail have also issued guidance on speed restrictions in place across multiple lines.

🌧️ Due to severe weather, services on our West Highland route are subject to cancellation throughout today. Please check our live updates page at https://t.co/gv0MwedF0k for more information.

If you're travelling here today, check your journey using https://t.co/v7UuAwe7yo /1
— ScotRail (@ScotRail) October 4, 2023

Following a brief respite on Thursday, a second weather warning has been issued for Friday, extending further north past Inverness and covering much of the Inner Hebrides.

In place until shortly before midnight on Saturday, forecasters have warned up to 150mm of rain could fall in parts of the Highlands.

The following speed restrictions are in place until 15:00 today.

Mallaig / Fort William line
• Leachabhuidh Tunnels – Lochailort Station
Speed: 20MPH.
• Glenfinnan Station – Leachabhuidh Tunnels – Speed: 40/20MPH.
• Upper Tyndrum Station Bridge of Orchy –
Speed: 20MPH. /1 https://t.co/nGgFOWWCH4
— Network Rail Scotland (@NetworkRailSCOT) October 4, 2023

STV weather presenter Philip Petrie described the conditions as a “typical autumnal start and a typically Scottish start to October”.

He said: “The winds switch to a south westerly on Friday meaning western parts of the country once again bear the brunt of the heavy rainfall throughout the day.

“Our second weather warning starts Friday at 12pm and lasts through until Saturday night, and it covers a large swathe of western Scotland.

“Because of the direction of the winds we will see a foehn effect occurring, meaning parts of Moray and Aberdeenshire will have brighter spells in contrast and temperatures into the high teens.”