Scottish Fire and Rescue Service issue urgent flood warning as 100mm of rain is set to hit the Highlands amid Storm Babet
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Firefighters have warned the public to be careful amid treacherous weather conditions as Storm Babet continues to cause life-threatening flooding across Scotland.
A new amber weather warning has been issued for parts of the Highlands for Saturday amid forecasts that up to 100mm of rain could fall in places.
The Met Office has issued the new alert, which comes into force at midnight tonight (Friday) and will remain in place for 24 hours.
The warning covers parts of the Black Isle, Mid and Easter Ross, eastern Sutherland and Caithness.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has responded to almost 70 weather related incidents across Scotland, including rescues from homes and floodwaters.
Members of the public are asked to avoid flood waters at all costs and to not to attempt to walk through, play in, drive through, or otherwise attempt to enter any flooded areas for any reason.
David Lockhart, SFRS Assistant Chief Officer, has also urged residents to follow evacuation advice from local authorities and emergency services following a number of rescues from flooded homes.
ACO Lockhart said: “We are facing unprecedented flooding in many areas, and we must stress to the public that flood waters should always be avoided.
“If you know someone who is in trouble or you need emergency service assistance, call 999 and do not attempt to reach any people, animals, or properties through floodwaters.
“Keep children and pets away from the water and do not travel in or around the affected areas wherever possible.
“Our firefighters continue to assist with several rescues from homes, and we would strongly urge everyone to listen to the evacuation warnings and advice from your local authority or the emergency services.”
Since Thursday morning (19 October), SFRS has received more than 750 emergency 999 calls and attended almost 300 incidents in total.
ACO Lockhart added: “We have a significant number of resources from across Scotland deployed in the areas affected and we continue to support evacuation and rescue efforts.
“This is a carefully planned and co-ordinated operation to ensure we are best placed to respond to emergencies and protect the welfare of our crews.
“However, by heeding the advice from us and our partners you can help minimise the risk to you and those around you.
“This will also greatly assist emergency services and local authorities as we work together to respond to this incredibly challenging weather event.”
