Met Office issues new 17-hour heavy rain warning for 2 areas on Sunday and Monday

The Met Office has issued a yellow heavy rain warning for two areas of the UK, with persistent rain forecast from Sunday 5pm until Monday 10am. The warning was announced on July 5, with the Highlands and Eilean Siar as well as Strathclyde affected by the change until Monday morning. Argyll and Bute is listed as the area most likely to be affected in Strathclyde.

Forecasters are warning of adverse conditions that will bring travel disruption and potential flooding to the regions. The yellow alert has been put in place, with public transport including bus and rail services potentially affected, with journey times taking longer. Motorists should also brace for adverse conditions during this period.

According to a Met Office forecast: "It will be a wet spell for the West Highlands with the heaviest and most persistent rain expected from Sunday afternoon through until Monday morning." The warning indicates that 20-40 mm is expected widely within the warning area through this period, with 50-75 mm in the most mountainous areas. There is a chance that the most exposed spots could see close to 100 mm.

The rain is expected to become less heavy during Monday morning. Showery spells are also on the cards for much of northern England and parts of Wales, though the heaviest downfall is forecast for the Scottish regions.

The Met Office has issued guidance on what members of the public should do to ensure they are best protected from potential flooding and other consequences of the weather warning. Officials have warned that people should prepare for potential power cuts, with the statement that "People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance." The Met Office recommends gathering torches, batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items in preparation.