Met Office issues 24-hour ‘danger to life’ weather warning

The Met Office has issued a rare “danger to life” amber warning ahead of heavy rain forecast in parts of the UK over the weekend.

Fast flowing floodwater is likely to cause a danger to life all day on Sunday in Scotland, according to the warning issued today.

Delays and some cancellations to train and bus services are likely and they warn homes and businesses could become flooded, causing damage to some buildings.

The amber warning has been put in place for 24 hours, with a chance of power cuts and loss of other services. The Met Office said: “A prolonged spell of heavy rain is likely to affect this area accompanied by strong southwesterly winds.

“The heaviest rain will be focused on west-facing hills and here some places may see around 200 mm of rainfall, whilst more generally 100-150 mm of rain is likely.

The Met Office has issued a rare “danger to life” amber warning in Scotland ahead of heavy rain forecasts (Met Office)
The Met Office has issued a rare “danger to life” amber warning in Scotland ahead of heavy rain forecasts (Met Office)

“This significant rainfall also has the potential to trigger shallow landslides and debris flows, most likely across the south of the Highland region and Argyll.

“It is not safe to drive, walk or swim through floodwater, avoid it where possible and if you are affected by fast flowing or deep-water call 999, and wait for help.”

“Preparing a flood kit could save you from loss or damage due to flooding to your home or business.”