Heavy Rain Forecast for Southern Scotland

An amber warning for heavy rain has been issued for the south of Scotland, following the impact of Storm Bram earlier in the week.

The Met Office says the amber rain warning will impact much of southwest Scotland including Dumfries & Galloway, Scottish Borders, parts of South Lanarkshire and the Ayrshires - lasting from 0001 on Sunday 14^th December until 2359. Yellow warnings for rain also remain in place for significant portions of the central belt, and west and north west of Scotland.

The downpours are likely to impact the transport network, bringing difficult driving conditions such as reduced visibility and surface water. Other modes of transport may also be affected by delays and cancellations.

The Multi-Agency Response Team will be operational throughout the amber warning period and our Operating Companies will carry out inspections of culverts and flooding hotspots on the trunk road network, as well as mobilising specialist equipment.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said:

"The Met Office is forecasting a period of heavy rain this weekend, following on from the impact of Storm Bram earlier this week, particularly in the south of Scotland where an amber warning has been issued.

"These conditions are likely to impact the transport network, so it's important people plan their journeys before they set off. Motorists should make sure their routes are available, follow the travel advice from Police Scotland and drive in accordance with the conditions. The Traffic Scotland twitter/X page is regularly updated and the Traffic Scotland website lets people get the latest information on the move.

"If you are planning to travel by train, ferry or plane, please check with your operators to see if the conditions are having any impact on your services."

Superintendent Andrew Barclay of Police Scotland's Road Policing Unit added:

"I would encourage people to plan ahead, including an alternative route, and avoid unnecessary travel.

"Please drive to the conditions and be aware of increased stopping distances. In wet weather, stopping distances will be at least double those required for stopping on dry roads.

"Driving through areas of flooding can damage to your vehicle and may result in roads becoming blocked.

"Ensure your mobile phone is charged, and that you have sufficient fuel, warm clothing, food and water in case you're delayed."