Floods warning as Storm Dennis sweeps into Scotland

Heavy rain and flooding is expected in southern Scotland after an amber warning was issued for Saturday.

The Met Office said “fast flowing or deep floodwater is likely” during Storm Dennis and could cause “danger to life” in towns such as Dumfries, Lockerbie and Jedburgh.

A yellow warning for wind and rain will also be in place for west and central parts of the country, with bus and train services expected to be disrupted and coastal routes to be affected by sea spray.

A number of flood alerts were in place on Friday, including Argyll and Bute, Ayrshire and Arran, Dumfries and Galloway, Scottish Borders and west and central areas due to rain and snow melting.

Ferry operator CalMac told passengers to expect severe disruption to its services over the next few days, as forecasters suggests winds could gust as high as 70mph.

Robert Morrison, CalMac’s director of operations, said: “We are set to be in for another few days of weather that will impact on our ability to deliver services to island communities.

“Coming on the back of Ciara, Storm Dennis is very likely to continue to bring weather that creates challenges for us and the travelling public should be prepared for cancellations and delays.

“All 28 routes are potentially at risk of disruption, so passengers should check the status of their route before setting off on their journey.”

The amber warning will be in place on Saturday from 12pm until 11pm, while the yellow warning has been made between 7am and 8pm.

However, a yellow warning for wind covers the whole of Scotland, kickstarting on Sunday at 12pm until Monday lunchtime.

This comes after Storm Ciara battered Scotland last weekend with high winds and heavy rain.

Several bridges closed to high-sided vehicles, ferry services were impacted, a pub roof in Perth collapsed and part of a cafe and guest house collapsed into a river in Hawick.