Flood vigilance urged as heavy rain continues across Scotland

Areas in the north east have been hit with flooding

Warnings of potential flooding have been issued as heavy rain was forecast across Scotland.

The north east is currently the worst hit area with a Met Office amber alert taking effect from 06:00 until 06:00 on Thursday.

Thunder and lightning was spotted across the country from late Wednesday, following a spell of warm temperatures.

More than 100 calls were made to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service's north east control overnight.

Of those calls, 53 were related to flooding alone.

Firefighters pumped water from a number of homes that were flooded in Perth, Dundee, Angus, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer for SFRS John MacDonald said it had been a "challenging night" as crews also had to attend road collisions and a number of fires.

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He said: "My thanks must go to our crews and operations control for their outstanding work overnight in very challenging conditions, and to our partners for their continued assistance.

"This was a severe weather event and the number of these incidents are increasing.

"Do not under any circumstances attempt to drive through flooded areas as you may become trapped, and take steps to protect yourself and your property from floodwater where necessary."

Flood water could be seen rushing through Elphinstone Street in Kincardine

A cyclist makes his way through a flooded street in Forres

There is also a yellow warning for rain covering much of the country from Wednesday which could see 100-120mm of rainfall in some places.

This warning takes effect from 00:00 on Wednesday until 06:00 on Thursday.

Areas affected include Grampian, central Scotland, Tayside, Fife, parts of the Highlands, south west Scotland, Lothian, Scottish Borders and Strathclyde.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has also issued 19 regional flood alerts.

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Transport Scotland said downpours were coming in "small patches" however urged motorists to take care.

A landslip at Gleneagles also affected train services between Perth and Stirling, but ScotRail later said the line had re-opened.

A street in Forres where flood water had to be drained overnight

The worst areas affected by these are Spey Dam, Newtonmore and Kingussie in the Highlands.

The forecast means thundery showers may lead to flooding - which could happen quickly - and transport disruption, with possible delays and cancellations to train and bus services.

Power cuts are also possible and some communities could become cut off due to flooding.

Cars were partly submerged in Kincardine

Transport Scotland said a multi-agency response team would be operational over the coming days to monitor conditions.

The A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful reopened under traffic light control after being closed as a precaution on Tuesday ahead of the heavy rain forecast.

The area has become infamous for landslips, closures and long diversions.

Stein Connelly from Transport Scotland told the BBC's Good Morning Scotland programme: "We are looking at a lot of surface water on the road network just now. The trunk roads are all open happy to say that and we'll do everything we can to maintain that as we get to the peak but we do ask people to be really careful as we're getting into the peak traffic.

"Leave yourself plenty of distance from the car in front and lower your speed, it can take twice as long to stop."

ScotRail also issued speed restrictions in a number of areas, primarily in the north east.

Meanwhile Highland Council said gully emptying machines would be stationed in Muir of Ord and Dingwall as they were prone to flooding.

It added council staff are also prepared to respond with sandbags and floodgates to vulnerable properties, but advised all householders and businesses to "remain vigilant" and to prepare.

The harbour area in Aberdeen was impacted by flooding

Several manhole covers have also popped open in Aberdeen due to the force of the rain. The city council warned they may be under flooded water and out of sight.

'Damaging and dangerous'

Following a meeting of the Scottish government's resilience room (SGoRR) on Tuesday, Deputy First Minister John Swinney said the Met Office alert signalled a "potentially damaging and dangerous" flood risk in some areas.

He said: "Flooding could happen quickly, even in areas not usually prone to flooding. Some communities might become cut off if roads flood, and power cuts might occur.

"Please take extra care if you are out and about, do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water, avoid camping near watercourses and ensure water conditions are safe if spending time in the water."

He added: "The Scottish government is in close contact with local authorities and the emergency services to ensure people in the affected areas receive the latest information, advice and support where needed."