Met Office issues Amber warning for heavy rain in eastern Scotland

The Met Office issued an Amber warning for heavy rain across eastern Scotland, valid from 0000 to 1800 on Thursday, the forecaster announced at 17:02 (UTC) on Wednesday 21 January¹. The warning was issued alongside Yellow warnings for rain, with the forecaster saying heavy rain is likely to bring disruption for some¹.

Within the Amber warning area, the Met Office says some areas of high ground exposed to the strong southeasterly wind are likely to see in excess of 100 mm of rain, while 50 to 80 mm is more probable for many places within the broader Yellow warning¹. Met Office Chief Forecaster Dan Harris said rain would turn increasingly persistent and heavy late on Wednesday and through much of Thursday for parts of Scotland¹.

The warnings highlight the likelihood of fast-flowing or deep floodwater, travel disruption and the chance of some communities being cut off due to flooding¹. The Met Office says it is not safe to drive or walk or swim through floodwater, that people should avoid it where possible, and that anyone affected by fast flowing or deep water should call 999 and wait for help¹. Its flood kit list includes insurance documents and contact numbers, a torch and spare batteries, a first aid kit and prescription medicines, warm waterproof clothes and blankets, bottled water and snacks, a battery or wind-up radio, and supplies for a baby or pet¹.

Thursday is expected to be unsettled for many as rain sweeps in from the west, though the heaviest and more persistent rain is forecast for the warning areas in Scotland¹. The Met Office says Friday could see more wet and windy weather arrive from the southwest, though the exact track and timing of the system is still uncertain, and that the area of low pressure will likely continue to exert some influence on Saturday, bringing winds and rain to areas in the south and west¹.

Why it matters for households

Households in eastern Scotland, particularly on high ground exposed to the southeasterly wind, face the heaviest rainfall, with more than 100 mm possible in places between midnight and 18:00 on Thursday¹. The Met Office warns of fast-flowing or deep floodwater, travel disruption and the chance of some communities being cut off, and notes that some rivers may take longer to respond, so impacts could continue through Thursday¹. The forecaster's guidance is that it is not safe to drive, walk or swim through floodwater, and that anyone affected by fast flowing or deep water should call 999 and wait for help¹. Its flood kit list covers documents, medicines, warm clothing, water, snacks, a radio and supplies for a baby or pet¹. The Met Office weather warnings guide explains the difference between Yellow, Amber and Red warnings, and households can read how to sign up for Met Office weather alerts and where to follow forecasts in the staying informed hub.

What happens next

The Amber warning runs until 18:00 on Thursday¹. The Met Office says Friday could bring more wet and windy weather from the southwest, with the track and timing still uncertain, and that low pressure will likely affect the south and west on Saturday¹. Further detail on storms and severe weather is in the storms and snow hub.