Heavy rain has triggered seven flood alerts across Scotland and prompted the Met Office to issue a yellow weather warning until 9pm on Monday for south-west and central Scotland. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency warned of potential flooding to low-lying land, roads, and properties as the saturated ground increases the severity of impacts.
The warning, in effect since 12:01am Monday, covers major areas including Glasgow, Stirling, Dumfries and Galloway, and the Scottish Borders. Rainfall of 20-40mm is forecast widely across the warning area, with higher ground expected to see 50-60mm.
«There is potential for some localised flooding impacts, including flooding to low-lying land, roads, properties and disruption to travel. Sepa will continue to monitor the situation,» the Scottish Environment Protection Agency stated.
The Met Office warned: «An area of rain will move steadily east across the area during Monday, turning heavy at times during the morning. Whilst the rain may ease for a time during the afternoon across southern Scotland, another pulse of heavy rain is possible here during the evening, with all rain eventually clearing by late Monday.»
Drivers face difficult conditions with longer journey times expected. Bus and train services will probably be affected, and flooding of a few homes and businesses is likely.
Wales faces more severe amber warning
The situation is more critical in south Wales, where an amber weather warning remains in effect until midnight Monday, signaling a potential "danger to life" from floodwater. Nearly a month's worth of rain is forecast to fall within 24 hours.
Met Office chief forecaster Rebekah Hicks said: «Heavy rain will move over south Wales from late Sunday and through Monday. Whilst rainfall amounts will vary, the largest accumulations are expected over the highest ground in south Wales and could reach 100-120mm through the day.»
The highest ground in the amber warning area could see 100-120mm of rainfall, with 60-80mm likely for many hills and 20-40mm at lower levels. Natural Resources Wales issued over 40 flood alerts and warnings across Wales, with two areas requiring "immediate action" where flooding to properties is expected.
The amber warning covers Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen, and Vale of Glamorgan.
The Met Office warned that «fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, which could cause a danger to life» in the majority of south Wales.
Landslide risk and infrastructure concerns
A British Geological Survey spokesperson highlighted additional risks: «Records indicate that rainfall amounts similar to those forecast for Monday have previously triggered landslides in Wales. Both natural and infrastructure slopes could be affected within the warning areas, with rainfall falling on slopes that are likely to already be saturated.»
The spokesperson added: «There is potential for disruption to roads and railways within the warning area, this is likely to be particularly impactful in areas where there are long diversion routes.»
England affected by extended warnings
Yellow rain warnings extend across parts of England until 3am Tuesday, covering Greater Manchester, parts of the North West, East Midlands, West Midlands, and Yorkshire and Humber. Areas in south-west and north-west England will see 20-40mm of rain, with 50-80mm on higher ground.
The Cumbrian fells could receive 100-120mm in a few places. Strong south to southwesterly winds will accompany the heavy rain, with gales possible around coasts and over high ground.
The Met Office described Monday as «a significant event for many,» noting that impacts are likely to be greater due to already saturated ground from previous rainfall. England and Wales have already seen 143% of normal rainfall this month before Monday's downpours.
Traffic Scotland advised residents to check if their property is at flood risk, prepare emergency flood kits, and gather essentials like torches and mobile phone power packs in case of power cuts. Travelers should check road conditions and public transport timetables before setting out.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
