Flooding hits central belt amid warning for more heavy rain

Heavy rain and flooding has hit Scotland’s central belt amid a warning for more downpours.

The Met Office issued a yellow alert for rain covering parts of the north east, Angus and Perth from midnight until 09:00 on Sunday.

Meanwhile 12 flood warnings have been issued by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa), mostly in Tayside, Dundee and Angus.

The Coupar Angus Road on the way to Alyth was closed because of floods while mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser said that flood gates had been closed in Perth.

A Met Office spokesman said: “Following a three-day spell of very wet weather across this region, with some places having seen in excess of 100mm, a further day of fairly persistent and at times heavy rain is expected, before easing during Saturday night.

“Many places are likely to see a further 20-30mm of rain, and a few spots could see 50mm.

“Above 400-500 metres, however, a lot of this will fall as snow, with rain confined to areas of ground below this level.”

Those in the affected area have been told to check if their home is at risk of flooding and take the appropriate precautions.

ScotRail said that speed restrictions would be in place on the line between Aberdeen and Inverness due to the adverse weather, leading to slower journey times.

The line towards Dundee was also blocked by a fallen tree, but was later cleared.

South of the border, a yellow warning of rain and wind in south-west England and southern Wales is in force until 22:00 on Saturday.

Heavy rain and strong winds across parts of south-west England and South Wales were expected to ease on Saturday morning.

The heavy rain brought travel disruption in Scotland earlier this week, with many roads affected by flooding.

Three people in Aberdeenshire had to be rescued from their stranded vehicles by firefighters.

The Scottish government Resilience Room met on Thursday to discuss the weather situation.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance, who chaired the meeting, said: “I would urge people to pay attention to flood alerts, weather forecasts and to consider travel updates in their area.”