Warning: Yellow

To expect: Rain

Affected areas: SW Scotland, Lothian Borders, Strathclyde

Start time estimate: Saturday 6pm

End time estimate: Monday 3am

The Met Office has announced an updated Yellow rain warning for SW Scotland, Lothian Borders and Strathclyde from Saturday to Monday. All local areas affected are listed below.

The regions should prepare for substantial rainfall, starting on Saturday at around 6pm and continuing until Monday 3am.

The updated Yellow alert for rain was announced at 10:10am on Sunday, December 14.

A Met Office forecast said: “After a short respite, further outbreaks of rain will develop across the area during Sunday, clearing in the early hours of Monday. The rain will be persistent and heavy at times with additional accumulations of 20-30 mm quite widely, with some higher ground receiving over 50mm. This will bring weekend accumulations to between 80 and 100mm in a few spots. Strong southwesterly winds are also expected.”

What to expect

There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings; There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life; Where flooding occurs, there is a chance of delays or cancellations to train and bus services; Spray and flooding will lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures; There is a small chance that some communities will become cut off by flooded roads; There is a slight chance of power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses.

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
South Lanarkshire

What is an updated 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 3am on Monday.