Flooding risk for Scotland as heavy rain expected

A flooding warning has been issued for western Scotland

Parts of Scotland are at risk of flooding as heavy rainfall lashes the country.

A yellow weather warning from the Met Office, covering western Scotland and part of the north of the country, is now in place until 21:00 on Monday.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has warned of disruption as a result.

It added that river levels in parts of the country could reach higher levels than during Storm Isha in January.

Parts of Argyll, Lochaber and Wester Ross are expected to be the worst affected areas, while river levels around Speyside and Great Glen are most at risk of reaching high levels.

There are currently 16 flood warnings in place.

Mark Franklin, flood duty manager for Sepa, said flooding from surface water was possible from Sunday throughout Monday.

He added: "People living, working and travelling in affected areas are advised to consider any steps they need to take now to be prepared and stay safe, and to take extra care if they need to travel."

The A83 has been regularly blighted by landslides and damage

It affects the Highlands, Argyll and Bute, Inverclyde, North Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, West Dunbartonshire, Perth and Kinross and Stirling.

The Old Military Road diversion on the A83 Rest and Be Thankful in Argyll was put into use from noon on Sunday as a precaution due to the amount of rain expected.

Bear Scotland said the decision was due to the possibility that the heavy rain would create a "significant increase" in hillside saturation levels and therefore create a risk of a landslide.

Drivers have been advised to expect delays of about 20 minutes as a result.

A further review of conditions will take place on Monday morning, but the alternative route is likely to remain in use until Tuesday.

The wet weather follows Storm Isha, Storm Jocelyn and Storm Ingunn, which caused considerable damage and disruption across Scotland throughout January.