Severe flooding forecast as Storm Frank hits
The Met Office has issued an amber ``be prepared'' warning for Wednesday covering all mainland regions with the exception of the Highlands.
The Met Office has issued an amber be prepared'' warning for Wednesday covering all mainland regions with the exception of the Highlands.
Flood alerts are in place right across Scotland and motorists are being warned to expect very difficult driving conditions.
In the Borders, 20,000 sandbags are being filled as communities prepare for up to 120mm of rain in some locations.
The local council has held an emergency meeting to plan for the severe weather and potential flooding, expected to affect the Peebles and Upper Tweed areas in particular.
Heavy, persistent rain and high winds are forecast to hit Scotland on Tuesday evening and continue overnight into Wednesday before clearing in the afternoon.
Jim Fraser, emergency planning officer at Borders Council, said: In addition to filling all sandbags, the council is putting in place plans for resources and equipment to be available at key locations.
Staff from the Selkirk flood protection scheme will be on the ground throughout Tuesday night and Wednesday to act if necessary, as they did successfully during Storm Desmond.''
Chief Inspector Andy McLean, local area commander, said: From Tuesday evening people should only travel if absolutely necessary, particularly in the western half of the Borders.
Road conditions are likely to become very difficult due to flooding and standing water, and there is a significant possibility that roads will need to be closed. Drivers should under no circumstances ignore road closed signs.''
Police in Tayside also warned of potential travel disruption due to flooded roads and advised drivers to pay close attention to the latest travel news before getting behind the wheel.
The Met Office said a deepening area of low pressure was likely to bring a swathe of gale and severe galeforce winds'' across parts of Northern Ireland and Scotland, with gusts of up to 80mph in exposed areas.
A statement said: Please be aware that disruption is possible, particularly to transport. Large waves are also expected to affect coastal areas in the west during Tuesday evening and overnight into Wednesday.'' Coastguard advised vessel owners to think twice before venturing out in the expected storms and told photographers to avoid putting themselves in danger.
Mark Rodaway, commander with HM Coastguard, said: Check the weather and tidal conditions before you set out so you can prepare your vessel accordingly, or even ask yourself whether you should be going out at all.
At sea, changes in tidal streams could make conditions worse, particularly if the wind and tide are against each other, but above all don't take risks when a storm at sea is involved.
We've all seen the dramatic pictures of flooding inland and some equally dramatic images from coastal storms. Do not be tempted to go out and take those photographs yourself. No photograph or selfie is worth risking your life for.''
The extreme weather is expected to clear in time for Thursday's Hogmanay celebrations.
Met Office spokeswoman Nicky Maxey said: Currently New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are warning-free.
We're expecting the weather to be much more settled, with patches of sunshine in some areas alongside showers in other places.
We're also expecting temperatures to dip to a much cooler temperature than we've seen of late.
Rain showers expected in the next few days could fall as snow in areas over 400 metres. There could also be some frost overnight.''