Sunshine, Showers Expected In Scotland After Storm Betty

Strong winds and heavy rain have hit parts of Scotland overnight.

Storm Betty, named by the Irish meteorological service, brought severe weather across the UK as it moved in from the Atlantic.

ScotRail confirmed disruption was expected to continue on nine routes until about 19:00.

On Friday the Met Office issued a yellow wind warning for Dumfries and Galloway where gusts were predicted to reach 50mph.

Meanwhile, three yellow rain warnings were in place across 17 local authorities for nine hours. Both warnings expired at midday.

Forecasters had also warned the conditions could cause travel issues as well as a possible flood risk to homes, businesses and roads.

The rain warnings applied to Angus, Clackmannanshire, Dundee, Fife, Perth and Kinross, Stirling, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Dumfries and Galloway, East Lothian, Midlothian, Scottish Borders, Argyll and Bute, North Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire and West Dunbartonshire.

The highest rainfall totals were expected over east-facing high ground in the Angus Hills and the Grampian Mountains where between 40-60mm could accumulate.

Thousands will be travelling across the country for major events on Saturday, including the final day of the World Pipe Band championships on Glasgow Green and Viaplay Cup football matches, starting with Rangers v Morton at 12:30.

Organisers of the Hazlehead parkrun in Aberdeen announced the cancellation of Saturday’s planned 5k.

The event director said the move was part of an agreement with Aberdeen City Council not to stage the race when storms or high winds were predicted.

The forecast is expected to improve on Saturday with sunny spells and showers for the rest of the weekend.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) issued nine flood alerts and warned of flooding from surface water and small watercourses.

Its stated: “Particularly at risk are urban areas and the transport network. Impacts may include flooding to low-lying land and roads with difficult driving conditions. Isolated properties may also be at risk.”

The Met Office has warned people living and working on the coast to take extra care during windy and stormy weather, and to be prepared for the weather changing quickly.

Stormy Betty, named by Met Eireann, is the second named storm in August following Storm Antoni earlier this month.

Forecasters expect Saturday to see the remnants of Storm Betty move north and bring some showers in western parts of the UK, and more persistent rain in western Scotland.

For Sunday and next week, sunshine and showers are expected.