Warning: Yellow

To expect: Rain

Affected areas: Highlands & Eilean Siar

Start time estimate: Saturday 3pm

End time estimate: Sunday 6am

The Met Office has announced a Yellow rain warning for Highlands & Eilean Siar for Saturday and Sunday, with conditions linked to Storm Dave.

The region should prepare for substantial rainfall, starting on Saturday at around 3pm and ending Sunday at 6am.

The Yellow alert for rain was issued at 9:51am on Friday, April 3.

A Met Office forecast said: “Rain arriving from the south through Saturday afternoon is likely to turn to sleet and snow over hills as it meets cold air across central and northwest Scotland. During the evening, snow may turn heavier and, as winds increase, blizzard conditions with drifting and blowing snow are likely to lead to very poor visibility across the hills and mountains of northwest Scotland. Accumulating snow on roads will mostly be above 200 m elevation, where 5-10 cm is possible and a small chance of 10-20 cm. Meanwhile at lower elevations, particularly across the Western Isles and Skye, persistent and heavy rain may lead to some impacts from surface water flooding. Following rain on Thursday night, a further 20-30 mm of rain is expected widely with 40-50 mm in places. Most of this will fall in around 6 hours.”

What to expect

Some roads and railways likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services; Spray and flooding on roads probably making journey times longer; Some interruption to power supplies and other services possible.

What should you do during intense showers?

Snowy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous, so to keep yourself and others safe: plan your route, checking for delays and road closures, amending your travel plans if necessary; if driving, leave more time to prepare and check your car before setting off; make sure you have essentials packed in your car in the event of any delays (warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, ice scraper/de-icer, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and an in-car phone charger). Check if your property could be at risk of flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit. 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.

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 effect until 6am on Sunday.