Amber and yellow weather warnings have been issued for Fife as Storm Babet is set to hit Scotland this week.
An amber warning for heavy rain will be in place from 6am tomorrow (Thursday, October 19) until 6pm on Friday, October 20.
⚠️⚠️ Amber weather warning issued ⚠️⚠️
— Met Office (@metoffice) October 18, 2023
Strong winds across eastern parts of Scotland
Thursday 1000 – 1800
Latest info 👉 https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs
Stay #WeatherAware ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/W3MOJJOjXR
The Met Office has said that members of the public can expect dangerous driving conditions, road closures, bus and train delays and cancellations, extensive flooding to homes and businesses which could lead to damaged buildings and structures and fast-flowing or deep floodwater which could pose a danger to life.
They have also warned that communities in flooded areas could become cut off, and that power, gas, water and mobile phone services may be lost.
A yellow warning for strong wind will also be in place during this time. The warning will come into effect at 3am tomorrow and will carry through until 12pm on Saturday, October 21.
The Met Office has warned that bus, rail, air and ferry services could be disrupted or cancelled, roads and bridges may close, and power cuts could occur during this time. They have also warned of a small risk of injuries due to flying debris or large waves near the coast and that some damage to buildings may occur.
Network Rail has announced that a number of its services will be closed on Thursday and Friday due to adverse conditions, including the Fife Circuit.
Liam Sumpter, Network Rail Scotland route director, said: “Our top priority is the safety of our passengers and colleagues, so we’ll close lines in the worst affected areas and introduce speed restrictions in others as a precaution.
“Our engineers will thoroughly inspect the network for any damage before we reopen the lines and restart train services.
“Weather specialists, based in our control room, will monitor conditions closely throughout Thursday and Friday, and our teams on the ground will be ready to deal with any issues Storm Babet may cause.”
A revised timetable will be in place across central and eastern areas of Scotland’s railway on Thursday and Friday due to the extended journey times that the speed restrictions will bring.
Engineers will then inspect the affected lines on Saturday morning for any damage and will reopen them as soon as it’s safe to do so.
⛈️ We work hard to keep you moving safely during stormy weather.
— Network Rail (@networkrail) October 18, 2023
There are yellow and amber weather warnings for parts of Britain this week. Check your journeys with @nationalrailenq or your train operator:
➡️ https://t.co/I195vBCUIf#StormBabet #DelaysExplained #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/b8QUmpQtlZ
David Morgan, flood duty manager for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), added: “Storm Babet will bring heavy rain and high winds across Scotland from Wednesday evening, starting in the southwest before moving across to the northeast through Thursday and into the weekend.
“Impacts from surface water and rivers are likely, and with catchments saturated from recent heavy rain and flooding, we’re urging people to be prepared for potential flooding. There is also concern that surface-water flooding may be exacerbated by debris blocking drainage, culverts, etc. as a result of the high winds.
“Flood Alerts and Warnings will be issued as required, and we continue to work with the Met Office to monitor the situation 24/7. People can check our Flood Updates for all the latest information and the three-day Scottish Flood Forecast to see what conditions are expected further ahead.
“If you live or work in an area that could be affected, consider any steps you need to take now to be prepared and stay safe, and to take extra care if you need to travel.
“If you have not already signed up to Floodline, you can do so now to receive free updates for where you live, or travel through, directly to your phone. Follow SEPA’s social media, especially @SEPAflood on X for the latest information.”
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