Scotland issued yellow weather warning as Storm Darragh brings rain and strong winds

Scotland has been braced for heavy rain and strong winds as Storm Darragh sweeps across the country.

A yellow weather warning for rain is in place for parts of the country, with travel disruption expected and the potential for flooding.

As Storm Darrah moves across the country, it will bring rainfall of 20-30mm widely and as much as 35-45mm over the higher ground.

The warning remains in place until 10pm on Saturday with Angus, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Highlands, Dumfries and Galloway, East Lothian and Scottish Borders to be worst affected.

#StormDarragh continues to bring strong and potentially damaging winds this afternoon 🌬️

Heavy rain will also persist for many ☔

Stay #WeatherAware ⚠️

Latest warnings 👉 https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs pic.twitter.com/J4AWhCol94
— Met Office (@metoffice) December 7, 2024

An amber wind warning is in place for parts of Dumfries and Galloway and South Ayrshire until 9pm on Saturday.

Due to the severe weather, safety-related train speed restrictions are in place on several routes in the ScotRail network, extending journey times.

The train operator is urging customers to allow extra time for connections.

A fallen tree has already disrupted the Stranraer line near Girvan, and Traffic Scotland has urged extra caution for people crossing the Skye Bridge due to strong winds.

Snow gate closures have been on the A93 and A939 roads, while the southbound A1 was restricted at Eyemouth due to a fallen tree.

CalMac has cancelled sailings between Wemyss Bay to Rothesay due to forecasted strong winds.

The Energy Networks Association reported 86,000 homes in England, Scotland and Wales were without power.

⚠️ Please check your journey on our app or website before setting off today. Due to the severe weather, there are safety-related train speed restrictions in place on several routes, which will extend journey times. Allow extra time for connections. #PlanAhead #StormDarragh
— ScotRail (@ScotRail) December 7, 2024

Transport secretary Fiona Hyslop said earlier: “The Met Office is warning us to expect another period of disruption this weekend, with Storm Darragh set to bring strong winds to the south of Scotland.

“The south-west in particular will likely see the worst of the conditions.

“High winds will bring challenges for the trunk road network, so travellers should make sure they plan their journey in advance, drive to the conditions and follow Police Scotland travel advice.

“The Traffic Scotland website offers people the latest information on the trunk roads and the Traffic Scotland X page is updated regularly.

“You can also find details of wind-based closures for the bridges on the trunk road network, allowing you to check if your planned route is available.”