Storm Agnes sparks TEN flood warnings across Scotland as ‘worst …

​SCOTLAND has been put on weather alert with ten official flood warnings issued as a result of Storm Agnes.

Forecast widespread downpours has seen experts issue two heavy rain alerts in Dumfries and Galloway as well on the west coast stretching to Aberdeen^[1] from now until 3am tomorrow.

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The Met Office has also issued yellow warnings for high winds across most of Scotland from midnight until 7am tomorrow. Gusts could reach up to 75 miles per hour. 

Met Office meteorologist Marco Petagna said: "This evening's rush hour could be quite tricky in some north and north-western areas of the UK, as it is expected to coincide with expected periods of strong wind and rain.

"Some of the worst conditions are still to come. The rain warnings are out to cover through the evening and the wind warnings are into the overnight period.

"We are looking at high gusts developing."

Storm Agnes was created after deep Atlantic pressure combined with the remnants of the tropical storm Ophelia which hit the US at the weekend.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has issued a number of alerts and flood warnings.

Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen, Argyll and Bute, Ayrshire and Arran, Central, Dumfries and Galloway, Dundee and Angus, Tayside and West Central Scotland are all affected.

Forecasters believe the strongest winds will hit south west Scotland resulting in damage to buildings, power cuts and disruption to road, rail and ferry services.

Traffic Scotland warned that journeys will take longer and lorries risk being blown onto their side.

Dumfries and Galloway cops told motorists to plan ahead and make sure they had enough fuel, warm clothing, food, water and a charged mobile in case of any delays. 

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Network Rail said speed restrictions were being put in place which would mainly affect services on the West Highland Line.

Other routes involved are Kilwinning to Largs, Kilmarnock to Sanquhar, Branchton to Wemyss Bay, Barrhill to Stranraer, Sanquhar to Annan and Lockerbie to Abington.

It said teams were checking pumps in areas at risk of flooding and chainsaw teams were ready to respond if any trees came down.

Ferry operator CalMac also advised anyone using its services to check its status page for updates.

The Met Office said: "Whilst there is still some uncertainty in the exact track and depth of Agnes, gusts of 45-55 mph are expected widely inland and 50-60 mph over hills and around coasts.

"The strongest winds are expected to affect eastern parts of Northern Ireland, southwest Scotland, west and northwest Wales, Cumbria and Lancashire where some inland locations may see gusts of 50 to 60 mph, and perhaps 65-75 mph over hills and around some coasts.

"The strongest gusts are most likely during the second half of Wednesday afternoon and through the evening."

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References

1. ^{^} Aberdeen (www.thesun.co.uk)
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