Amber warning issued for heavy rain from midnight 13 December until midnight 14 December
Very heavy and persistent rain bringing some flooding and disruption to transport and infrastructure
An Amber warning has been issued by the Met Office for South West Scotland from midnight tonight, 13 December until midnight tomorrow, 14 December.
What does an Amber Warning mean?
- Homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings
- Fast flowing or deep floodwater is likely, causing danger to life
- Delays and some cancellations to train and bus services are likely
- Spray and flooding probably leading to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
- A good chance some communities will be cut off by flooded roads
- Power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses likely
Further detail
Persistent rain across parts of southern and southwestern Scotland will be particularly heavy at times during Sunday, before easing from the north by the end of the day. Much of the warning area will see 50-70 mm of rain, whilst parts of the Galloway Hills and other areas of the Southern Uplands could see 110-130 mm of rain. Strong and gusty southwesterly winds will likely exacerbate conditions.
What should I do?
Keep yourself and others safe; prepare to avoid travelling by road during potentially dangerous road conditions. If you must travel, ensure you watch for possible danger and drive cautiously.
It is not safe to drive, walk or swim through floodwater, avoid it where possible and if you are affected by fast flowing or deep-water call 999, and wait for help.
Preparing a flood kit could save you from loss or damage due to flooding to your home or business. In your flood kit have: insurance and any other important documents; a torch and spare batteries; a first aid kit, prescription medicines and supplies for looking after your family members or pets; and warm, waterproof clothes, blankets, food and water.
Consider checking on vulnerable people that you know including older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone; they may need support with food and medical supplies. If you are worried about your health or that of somebody you know, ring NHS 111.
Stay up to date with the weather forecast for your area and follow advice from emergency services and local authorities.
When there is a rain warning in place, here are some things you can do:
- Could your property be at risk of flooding
- Staying safe in flooding
- Is it safe for you to drive?
- What about flood water?
- Thinking about your neighbours