Storm Eva: Scotland braced for a wet and windy Christmas

Flood warnings are in place in Tayside and the central Highlands, and alerts are also in place in southern Scotland.

The Forth Road Bridge, which reopened this week to light traffic following emergency repairs, has been closed to high-sided vehicles due to strong winds.

The Skye Bridge was also closed to high-sided vehicles, and Traffic Scotland urged caution on many other major bridges due to the wind.

Writing on Twitter, Lochaber and Skye Police said: “Wind speeds on Skye currently confirmed as being at hoolie levels. Stay indoors and get the kettle on.”

David Faichney, duty hydrology manager from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa), said: “The unsettled wet weather is set to continue over the Christmas period as further bands of rain are forecast to affect parts of South West and Central Scotland.

“At present, localised flooding is expected across Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders overnight into Christmas Eve as rivers will start to rise as the heavy rainfall moves slowly northwards.

“Southern parts of Ayrshire, West Central Scotland and Tayside, will also see heavy showers which may result in a low risk of flooding to low lying agricultural areas, however any impacts from river flooding are expected to occur after midnight.

“Showers will then follow throughout Christmas Eve, turning wintry over the higher ground, before becoming confined to the far north and Northern Isles on Christmas Day.

“More persistent rain, preceded by snow over hills, is expected to spread from the south later on Christmas Day.

“Current rainfall forecasts for Friday evening could give rise to significant flooding in some parts of southern Scotland on Saturday, Boxing Day, however as forecasts that far ahead remain uncertain as to exactly where and when the heaviest showers will fall, the likelihood of flooding impacts is very low.

“Surface water will continue to be an issue throughout the festive period, with roads and urban centres likely to experience disruption.

“Sepa staff will be working closely with the Met Office and other partners throughout the holiday period to ensure that flood alerts and warnings are issued promptly.

“We would encourage the public to remain vigilant and check the Sepa website or call Sepa’s Floodline on 0845 988 1188 for the most up-to-date information on their area.”