"Be Prepared, Be Aware": Met Office upgrades rain warning

On Sunday the Met Office issued yellow weather warnings for heavy rain and snow across most of Scotland until Thursday January 2, which will impact the transport network. 

Road, rail, air and ferry services are all likely to be affected by the conditions, with longer journey times and cancellations possible, as well as potential restrictions on bridges. 

The strong winds could also lead to fallen trees, damage to buildings and power cuts. But on Monday, the Met Office confirmed a significant forecast change, with the snow in the south on Wednesday looking less likely, but confirmation of an amber warning for rain for a period tonight overnight from midnight into tomorrow for the Highlands and Moray areas.

The Met Office has issued an Amber Warning for rain that largely covers parts of the southern Highlands and Moray, valid overnight tonight (Monday) and during Tuesday.

Up to 70mm of rain is forecast to fall across Scotland on both Monday and Tuesday, with up to 140mm likely across western Scotland. The updated weather warnings, including the escalation of the rain for the north, can be found here: UK weather warnings - Met Office.

Transport Scotland said on Monday: "We’ve already seen persistent rain across a swathe of Scotland to the north of the Central Belt, with 40-50mm of rainfall falling widely yesterday and another 20-25mm this morning. 

"Another batch of heavy rain is due to arrive this evening, bringing a further 55-70mm for the following 24 hours, with the potential for as much as 80-90mm in a few places. This leads to rainfall accumulations of around 100-140mm in total in the 48hrs to end of Tuesday. 

"There are already some impacts on the transport network (mainly rail, to date) across parts of the Highlands (Glenfinnan, Kingussie) this morning, and these are only likely to be exacerbated by the rain to come, with the additional risk of property flooding from river and surface water."

Cordelia Menmuir, SEPA’s Duty Flood Manager, added: “Extremely high water levels are expected in Speyside, the Great Glen and Tayside, resulting in disruptions to transport and to communities.

"It is possible we could see similar levels to those experienced in early October 2023, when places like Aviemore and Perth were severely affected.  

“We’re likely to see extensive river and surface water flooding impacts across these areas. We’re already seeing impacts on the road and rail network, and further rain will only exacerbate this. 

“We urge people living, working and visiting in the affected areas to consider any steps you need to take now to be prepared for flooding impacts. Consider whether your journey is necessary.”

Meanwhile Network Rail warned extreme rainfall and high winds may disrupt rail services across western and northern parts of Scotland. 

Trains on the West Highland Line have been slowed from Sunday December 29, with the following lines also having speed restrictions from Monday December 30, until Thursday January 2: Far North Line, Kyle of Lochalsh – Inverness, Aberdeen - Inverness, Highland Main Line, Perth – Stirling. 

On the A83 trunk road into Argyll, the BEAR Scotland opened the Old Military Road as a precaution from Sunday December 29 to allow road users travelling along the A83 Rest and Be Thankful to continue their journey safely.

"There is some uncertainty over the forecast, with the potential for heavy rainfall in the coming days," the agency said. "A decision will therefore be made about returning traffic to the A83 trunk road following a hillside inspection and subject to the forecast improving over the coming days."