Ayrshire residents have been warned to gear up for another wet weekend as heavy and persistent rain is likely to consume most of the region over the next few days.

Today until Sunday [October 29-31], rainfall is expected to plague Ayrshire and Arran as well as West Central Scotland and the Borders.

And although the conditions are "unlikely" to cause scenes as extreme as those seen yesterday - with the River Nith in Dumfries bursting its banks, causing bridges to be swept away and homes evacuated - there are warnings that surface water flooding may occur in areas not normally prone to it.

A flood alert remains in place in Ayrshire and Arran.

Mark Franklin, Flood Duty Manager for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, said: “Heavy and persistent rain is due to continue throughout Friday across areas of the Borders, Dumfries and Galloway, Ayrshire and Arran, West Central Scotland, Central Scotland and Edinburgh and the Lothians.

"While unlikely to cause impacts as extreme as those we saw yesterday, there is still a risk of disruption as a result of rain falling in already saturated areas and further wet weather is expected over the weekend too.

 

 

“Yesterday saw extremely high levels of rainfall, with SEPA’s Brydekirk gauging station on the Annan recording its biggest event in an approximately 50-year record.

"There could be continued localised flooding to low-lying land and roads, disruption to travel and flooding in parts of communities, and we are continuing to monitor the situation closely with partners.

“Regional Flood Alerts are in place, and Local Flood Warnings will continue to be issued where necessary.

"People living and working in affected areas are advised to plan their essential journeys and consider the steps they need to take now to be prepared."

He continued: “Impacts from flooding from small and minor watercourses may also occur, so remember that conditions can change rapidly and water levels may rise quickly with little warning."