SCOTLAND is facing travel chaos as roads and railways are beginning to flood.
A yellow rain warning covering much of Scotland, active from midnight on Saturday to 6am on Sunday, could bring rainfall of 50-75mm in low-lying areas and close to 100mm on higher ground.
Within that is a separate amber warning covering Central Scotland, Tayside and Fife from 3am on Saturday to 6am the following day.
Network Rail took to social media as travel operators shared they were inundated with messages.
Network Rail said: "This is Bowling, between Dalmuir and Helensburgh/Balloch where we took the proactive decision to close the line, given the extreme rainfall we’re seeing in this area today."
This is Bowling, between Dalmuir and Helensburgh/Balloch where we took the proactive decision to close the line, given the extreme rainfall we’re seeing in this area today. @ScotRail @CalSleeper @GBRailfreight pic.twitter.com/f1zfgldfJE
— Network Rail Scotland (@NetworkRailSCOT) October 7, 2023
From 1am on Saturday, the West Highland line, which operates in Oban, Mallaig and Fort William, will be suspended.
The Helensburgh Central/Balloch to Dalmuir service will also stop, though services between Dalmuir and Glasgow will remain in operation.
Services on the Highland Main Line route between Perth and Inverness will also cease.
ScotRail said the majority of other routes across its network will also be affected due to temporary speed restrictions put in place as a safety precaution.
Customers have been advised to travel only when necessary, to expect delays and to check their journey before setting off.
Scotrail announced on Saturday morning further cancellations: "We’ve suspended services between Glasgow Central and Wemyss Bay. The floodwater has now risen above the rails at Branchton."
The A8 is closed at Cappielow in both directions with heavy traffic building up on side roads as buses and motorists seek diversions.
One individual was spotted standing on top of their van in Toryglen, Glasgow.
The guy on top of the van 😂 pic.twitter.com/M0mj33PIQ4
— tony montague (@Tonybhoy66Tony) October 7, 2023
Aikenhead Road on the Southside of Glasgow is "badly affected" by flooding at its junction with Curtis Avenue, Glasgow City Council officials have warned.
In a statement, a spokesperson said: "Due to the heavy rainfall the city is experiencing localised flooding is possible around the city and road users should exercise caution on their journeys."
All Under One Banner cancelled this year's Edinburgh independence march, Dundee vs Ross County was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch and the Scottish Porridge Festival cancelled their parade in Aviemore - but the competition for the Golden Spurtle still went ahead.
