Boxing Day floods warning as Scotland set for heavy rain

Large parts of Scotland have been put on flood alert with heavy rain forecast on Boxing Day.

A yellow ‘be aware’ warning has been issued by the Met Office from 9am until midnight on Saturday,

Argyll and Bute, West Dunbartonshire, Perth, Stirling and parts of the Highlands are expected to be among the worst affected areas.

The Met Office said persistent rainfall accompanied by strong winds would probably cause flooding. Drivers have been warned of difficult conditions and urged to only travel if completely necessary.

STV meteorologist Sean Batty said Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles would also see Christmas Day gales.

A yellow warning for wind in the far south of Scotland has also been issued from 3pm on Boxing Day as other areas of the UK are lashed by Storm Bella.

Parts of south Wales and across southern England could see gusts of between 60-70mph in exposed coastal areas.

Sean said: “After calm weather on Christmas Eve, on Christmas Day things will start to change with rain and strengthening winds developing in the north west as Storm Bella approaches the UK.

“By the end of Christmas Day gales will develop across Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles. But it’s on Boxing Day that the strongest winds will develop with gales widely along affecting the west and central and southern Scotland.

“Gusts in excess of 60mph many be experienced in the more exposed parts of the west, particularly the Hebrides and Kintyre.

“Heavy rain will also move south with the wettest conditions around Locahber, Ardnamurchan and Lorn where around 70mm may fall through Sunday – which is nearly a third of a month’s worth.

“The wind and rain will ease into Sunday, although it’ll remain showery, and with colder air returning, some will start to turn to sleet and snow.

“After this short wild spell of weather it’ll be quieter next week and colder. There’s also an increased risk of snow, but it’s going to be a messy mix on rain and wintry conditions, so some surprise snowfalls are likely.”