Scotland facing ‘unprecedented’ wind and rain as Storm Babet hits

Scotland faces severe weather on Thursday as Storm Babet is forecast to land with substantial flooding.

Heavy showers and flooding across the UK are also forecast for the end of the week as the storm surge from the Atlantic batters Britain’s coastline towns and cities.

With an unsettled outlook following a relatively mild start to October, the Met Office issued a red weather warning with a “risk to life” advisory, urging residents not to travel.

In particular Angus and the North East will face the full brunt of the storm and gale force winds. Flooding is expected with more than one month of rain to fall in 24 hours. Due to already saturated ground in various parts of Scotland, heavy rain could cause river banks to burst with measures being taken to protect homes.

An amber warning has also been issued for eastern Scotland with rain set to cover most of the country.

This will be the Met Office’s first red warning issued in 3 years. Storm Babet’s low pressure system posses a substantial threat due to its persistent and heavy rain coupled with 70mph gusts.

Transport Scotland has issued a statement asking the public to avoid travel in red warning areas as driving conditions are expected to be extremely dangerous.