An 18-hour red “danger to life” warning for rain has been issued for parts of Tayside – with locals urged not to travel.
Storm Babet is set to bring “exceptional” rainfall and strong winds to the region between Thursday and Friday.
The latest warning – the most severe issued by the Met Office – says lives could be put in danger by fast-flowing and deep floodwater.
The adverse conditions could also cause extensive flooding to homes and businesses.
Buildings and structures could also end up damaged or collapsed.
A Met Office spokesperson said: “Storm Babet will bring some strong winds to the region and they will be from an unusual easterly direction which could increase associated impacts.”
Red rain warning: Tayside communities ‘could be cut off’
The warning also says communities could be cut off for several days.
The red rain warning mainly covers parts of Angus but could edge into areas of Perthshire.
It is in place from 6pm on Thursday until noon on Friday.
It comes as Storm Babet has already forced the cancellation of most train services across Tayside and Fife over the next two days.
In preparation for the weather, Perth and Kinross Council has revealed its plans to combat flooding, after criticism of its response to severe conditions earlier this month.
Storm Babet: Series of weather warnings for Tayside and Fife
A total of five separate Met Office weather warnings are in place for rain and wind across Tayside and Fife between Thursday and Friday.
These are:
- Yellow warning for wind: 3am on Thursday to noon on Friday, covering Tayside and northern Fife
- Yellow warning for rain: 6am on Thursday to 6am on Saturday, covering Tayside and Fife
- Amber warning for wind: 10am to 6pm on Thursday, covering Dundee and Angus
- Amber warning for rain: 6am on Thursday to 6pm on Friday, covering Tayside and Fife
- Red warning for rain: 6pm on Thursday to noon on Friday, covering parts of Angus and Perthshire
First Minister Humza Yousaf has warned against all but essential travel in the region.
He posted on X: “Please be aware of the challenging weather we are due to experience across Scotland, most severe from Thursday 18:00 – Friday 12:00.
“Weather warning across Angus & the North East has been upgraded to Red.
“Travel should be avoided unless absolutely essential.”
He added: “The Scottish Government is working with local resilience partners, including our emergency services, to ensure we keep everyone safe & mitigate disruption as best we can.”
