The Met Office has issued a rare “Red warning” as Storm Babet will bring exceptional rainfall and impactful wind in some parts of the UK.
The Red warning for rain covers parts of the east of Scotland, including Brechin, Forfar and Kirriemuir. It’s in force from 6pm on Thursday through to midday on Friday.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly said, “Confidence has increased in the chances of considerable impacts from rainfall in parts of the east of Scotland from Storm Babet, which has resulted in the escalation to the Red warning.
“100-150mm of rain is expected to fall quite widely within the warning period, with some locations likely to see 200-250mm, which is expected to cause considerable impacts with flooding likely.”
Impacts highlighted as part of the red warning is a danger to life from flood water, extensive flooding to homes and businesses and severely disrupted travel conditions.
This is the first Red warning for rain issued in the UK since Storm Dennis in February 2020.
A wider Amber warning for rain is also in force from early Thursday to late on Friday for eastern and central parts of Scotland. Within this area, 70-100mm of rain is likely quite widely, with some upland areas possibly seeing 150-200mm of rain through the period.
Strong winds from an easterly direction have also resulted in an Amber wind warning being issued for eastern parts of Scotland. Gusts in excess of 70mph are likely on Thursday, with particularly poor conditions on immediate coastlines.
A number of weather warnings are in force for Storm Babet, with heavy rain also likely for Northern Ireland, as well as large parts of England and Scotland.
Jason added, “Storm Babet will track gradually northwards in the coming days, and although the most significant impacts are expected within the Red and Amber warning areas, there will still be wider impacts for much of the UK from this wind and rain.”
