Warning: Yellow

To expect: Rain

Affected areas: SW Scotland, Lothian Borders, Strathclyde

Start time estimate: Tuesday midnight

End time estimate: Tuesday 3pm

The Met Office has announced a Yellow rain warning for SW Scotland, Lothian Borders and Strathclyde for Tuesday. All local areas affected are listed below.

The regions should prepare for substantial rainfall, starting on Tuesday at around midnight and ending at 3pm.

The Yellow warning for rain was issued at 12:34pm on Tuesday, January 27.

A Met Office forecast said: “Outbreaks of rain will spread northwards on Monday night into Tuesday, falling as snow on high ground. Rainfall accumulations of 20-30mm are likely fairly widely with 40-50mm possible in places. Totals may accumulate fairly quickly in parts of southwest Scotland, which could see accumulations of 20mm in a 3 hour period. Whilst accumulating snow is unlikely at low-levels, may be some wet snow with minor accumulations above 400m of 2cm possible on the highest routes. Strong, gusty winds, especially to the west of hills, may exacerbate the potential for transport disruption.”

What to expect

Flooding of a few homes and businesses is likely; Bus and train services probably affected with journey times taking longer; Spray and flooding on roads probably making journey times longer; Some interruption to power supplies and other services likely.

What should you do during heavy rain?

Check if your property could be at risk of flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit.

Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.

People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do: consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.

Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.

For further details see Met Office Warnings & Advice.

Full list of local areas affected

SW Scotland, Lothian Borders
Dumfries and Galloway, East Lothian, Edinburgh, Midlothian Council, Scottish Borders, West Lothian

Strathclyde
East Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire

What is a yellow weather warning?

The Met Office has three categories of weather warning, depending on the likely impact of severe weather and also how likely it is to strike in a particular area.

A yellow warning is issued when weather conditions are expected to disrupt travel and traffic and may impact on daily routines but are not likely to pose a risk to life or property.

An amber warning is more severe and advises people to think about changing their plans to minimise the risk.

A red warning means weather conditions are expected to be dangerous with widespread damage to property and a risk to life, with the public usually advised to avoid travelling.

The Yellow weather alert for rain will remain in place until 3pm on Tuesday.