Warning: Yellow

To expect: Rain

Affected areas: SW Scotland, Lothian Borders, Strathclyde

Start time estimate: Saturday noon

End time estimate: Sunday 6pm

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

The regions should prepare for substantial rainfall, starting on Saturday at around noon and continuing until Sunday 6pm.

The Yellow warning for rain was issued at 10:53am on Thursday, December 11.

A Met Office forecast said: “Outbreaks of rain will spread in from the west during Saturday, eventually clearing away during Sunday afternoon and evening. The rain will be heavy at times with accumulations 30-40 mm developing quite widely and locally 60-80 mm across high ground. Strong southwesterly winds are also possible at times.”

What to expect

Flooding of a few homes and businesses is possible; 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 intense showers?

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, Scottish Borders

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 6pm on Sunday.