UK: Adverse weather forecast across Scotland through at least Oct. 30

Heavy rainfall is forecast across eastern Scotland through at least Oct. 30. The UK Met Office has issued yellow (lowest level on a three-tier scale) warnings for rain across Central, Tayside, and Fife and Grampian regions. Widespread rainfall of 3-5 cm (1-2 inches) is forecast across lower elevations, with 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) over higher elevations. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has issued red flood warnings (middle level on a three-tier scale) across parts of Dundee and Angus, Tayside, and Orkney. Orange flood alerts are in place across most of the rest of eastern Scotland.

LNER has suspended train services between Edinburgh and Aberdeen through Oct. 30 and has warned that the speed restriction imposed by Network Rail will result in significant disruptions. ScotRail has suspended direct services connecting the Central Belt with Aberdeen and Inverness through Oct. 29.

Parts of Scotland are still recovering from the passage of Storm Babet Oct. 18-21. The storm resulted in seven fatalities across the UK, with three deaths in Scotland. Brechin in Angus was the worst affected area in northeast Scotland; officials evacuated hundreds of homes after the river South Esk overflowed. Further rainfall could lead to additional flooding and is likely to hamper recovery efforts and exacerbate the situation.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rain has saturated the soil.

Floodwaters and debris flows will likely render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities will probably temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Flooding will likely block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are probable in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Severe weather will likely trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and employees' inability to reach work sites. Electricity and telecommunications service disruptions are possible where significant flooding, strong winds, or landslides impact utility networks.