A yellow “danger to life” weather warning has been issued for
Balmoral and surrounding areas of northeast Scotland, as the Met
Office predicts prolonged and heavy rainfall from Wednesday evening
through to Friday night.
The alert covers Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen, Moray, Angus, Perth
and Kinross, Stirling, Dundee, Fife and parts of the Highlands.
Forecasters have warned that persistent rain on already saturated
ground may cause localised flooding, disruption to transport and
power outages, and in some areas, the risk to life cannot be
discounted.
The Met Office expects rainfall totals of 30 to 60 millimetres
across inland areas, with as much as 80 to 120 millimetres over
exposed upland regions, accompanied by strong southeasterly winds.
Rain is also expected to turn to snow over higher ground, adding
further uncertainty to river levels downstream. Coastal areas are
likely to see smaller rainfall totals, though strong winds and
large waves may create additional hazards.
Balmoral Castle, the private Scottish residence of King Charles
III and Queen Camilla, sits within the 50,000-acre estate of Royal
Deeside, featuring mountains, forests and lochs. The estate,
occupied year-round by staff, is particularly exposed to winter
storms and heavy rainfall, though the Royal Family is not believed
to currently be in residence.
The warning comes just days after the King concluded a visit to
Scotland on Monday, where he hosted a reception for Scottish
business leaders at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. The
event, attended by the First Minister John Swinney and Deputy First
Minister Kate Forbes, highlighted Scottish entrepreneurship and
included a whisky tasting featuring Rosebank Distillery, founded in
Falkirk in 1840.
Authorities have advised residents in affected areas to check
flood plans and prepare emergency kits. Rail and bus services may
face delays, and some rural communities could become temporarily
isolated if roads are rendered impassable.
Colder conditions and further wintry weather, including snow and
sleet, are expected across Scotland later this month, with the
Highlands and Aberdeenshire particularly vulnerable following
recent periods of snow and thawing.
