Amber alert for downpours and gales

Sep 24 2012

Drivers are being urged to plan ahead amid warnings of potential disruption on the roads caused by heavy rain and persistent winds.

The Met Office has issued an amber alert, which means be prepared, for the Borders, Lothians and Fife areas.

Heavy, persistent rain and winds are expected across southern Scotland from lunchtime on Monday, with south-eastern areas expected to be hit worst.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said: "In light of the Met Office warning for wind and rain in many parts of the country, our trunk road operating companies have all their resources available, including patrols, and will pre-position resources in areas of special attention.

"The Traffic Scotland website, variable message signs and traffic internet radio are being used to provide up to date information to the travelling public, allowing them to plan and amend their journeys accordingly."

He said the Multi Agency Response Team (MART) will be running until the weather improves.

Marc Becker, from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, said: "It will be wet across most of eastern and southern Scotland, including the central belt, with the heaviest rain expected in the east of Scotland from the Borders up to parts of Angus.

"We are working closely with the Met Office to get a better picture of the potential flooding impacts as a result of this heavy rain."