NEW DELHI: Severe flooding in Scotland has disrupted both road and rail travel, prompting warnings and cancellations.
An amber weather warning is in place, with regions such as the highlands and central Scotland expected to see up to 180mm (7in) of rainfall.
According to BBC news, The amber alert will be active starting at 03:00 on Saturday and will remain in effect until 06:00 on Sunday.
Additionally, a yellow “be aware” warning for heavy rain also covers most of mainland Scotland, including Skye and the Inner Hebrides.
ScotRail has canceled services on several routes, like from Oban, Mallaig and Fort William, from Helensburgh Central and on the Highland Mainline between Perth and Inverness.
The train company also said that most other lines would be disrupted too.
Network Rail Scotland posted on X, “A month’s worth of rain is expected today, likely leading to widespread flooding across Scotland.
“With this in mind, we’re limiting train speeds on almost all routes to protect passengers, staff and the railway. Check your journey before travelling.”
Police Scotland are urging people to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
Numerous roads have been closed due to flooding and landslides, with diversions in place. These closures include the A83 between Tarbet and Inverary, the A815 connecting Dunoon and the A83, the A816 between Lochgilphead and Oban, and the A85 near Loch Awe.
The Met Office has issued warnings of life-threatening flooding and fast-flowing rivers and streams, with 80-100mm of rain expected in most areas and up to 150-180mm in the wettest spots and other parts of the UK could see temperatures of up to 26C (79F) this weekend.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has issued 43 flood warnings and 17 flood alerts across various regions. The affected areas include Angus, Ayrshire, Argyll and Bute, as well as sections of the Highlands, north-east Scotland, and the Scottish Borders.
Football matches across Scotland are anticipated to be postponed, including Premiership games.
According to BBC news, ScotRail service delivery director, David Simpson, said, “We know the impact that the withdrawal of some train services will have, but it’s a necessary step to ensure the safety of our staff and customers due to the severe rainfall.
“As a precautionary measure, speed restrictions will also be in place across most routes in Scotland, which will result in extended journey times.
“Customers are advised that they should travel only when necessary, and for those that do, they should check their journey before travelling.”
The West Highland line, running through Oban, Mallaig, and Fort William, will be suspended, along with other services on the Highland Main Line route.
Similarly, there will be a cessation of the Helensburgh Central and Balloch to Dalmuir service, while services to Glasgow are expected to continue operating.
Affected routes are expected to resume on Sunday morning, BBC reported.
Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop has advised people to plan their journeys carefully, and said, “If you are planning to travel by train, ferry or plane, please check with your operators to see if the conditions are having any impact on your services.”
Police Scotland head of road policing, Ch Supt Hilary Sloan, said, “Our advice is to plan ahead and consider if your journey is really necessary or if it can be delayed until conditions improve, reported BBC.
An amber weather warning is in place, with regions such as the highlands and central Scotland expected to see up to 180mm (7in) of rainfall.
According to BBC news, The amber alert will be active starting at 03:00 on Saturday and will remain in effect until 06:00 on Sunday.
Additionally, a yellow “be aware” warning for heavy rain also covers most of mainland Scotland, including Skye and the Inner Hebrides.
ScotRail has canceled services on several routes, like from Oban, Mallaig and Fort William, from Helensburgh Central and on the Highland Mainline between Perth and Inverness.
The train company also said that most other lines would be disrupted too.
Network Rail Scotland posted on X, “A month’s worth of rain is expected today, likely leading to widespread flooding across Scotland.
“With this in mind, we’re limiting train speeds on almost all routes to protect passengers, staff and the railway. Check your journey before travelling.”
Police Scotland are urging people to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
Numerous roads have been closed due to flooding and landslides, with diversions in place. These closures include the A83 between Tarbet and Inverary, the A815 connecting Dunoon and the A83, the A816 between Lochgilphead and Oban, and the A85 near Loch Awe.
The Met Office has issued warnings of life-threatening flooding and fast-flowing rivers and streams, with 80-100mm of rain expected in most areas and up to 150-180mm in the wettest spots and other parts of the UK could see temperatures of up to 26C (79F) this weekend.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has issued 43 flood warnings and 17 flood alerts across various regions. The affected areas include Angus, Ayrshire, Argyll and Bute, as well as sections of the Highlands, north-east Scotland, and the Scottish Borders.
Football matches across Scotland are anticipated to be postponed, including Premiership games.
According to BBC news, ScotRail service delivery director, David Simpson, said, “We know the impact that the withdrawal of some train services will have, but it’s a necessary step to ensure the safety of our staff and customers due to the severe rainfall.
“As a precautionary measure, speed restrictions will also be in place across most routes in Scotland, which will result in extended journey times.
“Customers are advised that they should travel only when necessary, and for those that do, they should check their journey before travelling.”
The West Highland line, running through Oban, Mallaig, and Fort William, will be suspended, along with other services on the Highland Main Line route.
Similarly, there will be a cessation of the Helensburgh Central and Balloch to Dalmuir service, while services to Glasgow are expected to continue operating.
Affected routes are expected to resume on Sunday morning, BBC reported.
Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop has advised people to plan their journeys carefully, and said, “If you are planning to travel by train, ferry or plane, please check with your operators to see if the conditions are having any impact on your services.”
Police Scotland head of road policing, Ch Supt Hilary Sloan, said, “Our advice is to plan ahead and consider if your journey is really necessary or if it can be delayed until conditions improve, reported BBC.
