By James Simons-
Parts of Scotland are on high alert and residents are being urged to take precautions as Storm Babet brings severe flooding and extreme weather to the region.
The Met Office has issued an exceptionally rare red weather warning, signifying a risk to life due to expected heavy rainfall in Aberdeenshire and Angus. This red warning comes alongside amber and yellow weather alerts issued for different parts of the UK.
The red weather warning spans from 18:00 on Thursday until noon on Friday, with rainfall projections of 4-6 inches within this period, and certain areas expecting to receive between 8-10 inches. The warning also warns of fast-flowing floodwater, extensive flooding, road closures, wind gusts exceeding 70mph in coastal areas, and the potential for power cuts. Furthermore, some areas may be cut off for an extended duration due to these severe weather conditions.
The magnitude of the storm’s impact is evident, with schools in Angus Council deciding to close at lunchtime on Thursday and remain shut on Friday, underlining the gravity of the weather situation.
The implications of this rare red warning were acknowledged by Deputy First Minister Shona Robison, who said, “Red warnings are rarely issued by the Met Office, and this reflects how serious the impacts will be from the exceptional weather we can expect – particularly in the north-east of Scotland over the next two days.
The strong message is that if you are in the parts of Angus and South Aberdeenshire affected, please stay at home and do not travel.”
Transportation across the region has also been severely impacted. ScotRail has cancelled services on several routes in Scotland on Thursday and Friday, including the Perth-Aberdeen route via Dundee, Perth-Aviemore (Highland main line), Perth-Dunblane, Aberdeen-Elgin (Aberdeen-Inverness line), Tain-Wick/Thurso (Far North line), and Fife Circle services. These cancellations will also affect services between Glasgow Queen Street and Aberdeen and Inverness, as well as between Edinburgh Waverley and Aberdeen and Inverness. Those living in areas not under a red warning have been urged to check rail timetables before they travel to avoid any inconvenience.
The severity of Storm Babet has prompted Police Scotland to urge people to avoid all forms of travel during the red weather warning. The conditions are expected to be extremely dangerous, leading to significant disruptions and delays on the roads. It is essential for public safety that individuals follow the advice to stay at home and remain safe.
Storm Babet, originating as a complex area of low pressure to the west of the Iberian Peninsula, was named by the Met Office on Monday morning.
This marks the second named storm of the 2023/24 season, which commenced in early September. The practice of naming storms is aimed at simplifying communication and understanding of weather forecasts for the general public.
The last red warning issued in the UK was for extreme heat in July of the previous year. The most recent red warning for rain in the UK was in February 2020 in South Wales during Storm Dennis, while the last red warning in Scotland was in December 2015 for Storm Desmond.
The threat of extreme weather and its potential consequences highlights the importance of preparedness and staying informed. Authorities are urging residents to heed the warnings and prioritize safety by avoiding travel during this severe weather event