Met Office issues yellow warning for thunderstorms in the Highlands
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A THUNDERSTORM warning has been issued for virtually the whole of the Highlands.
The Met Office issued the yellow alert shortly before 8am this morning. It came into effect at 10am and is expected to remain in place until 11pm.
Up to 30mm of rain could fall in a matter of just two or three hours, forecasters have warned.
"Scattered heavy showers and thunderstorms will occur across parts of Scotland and northern England," said a spokesperson.
"Lightning and hail are likely in places, whilst rainfall totals of 15-20 mm in one hour are possible, with a few places seeing 30 mm within 2-3 hours.
"The heaviest showers and thunderstorms will ease from most areas through the evening, but they could linger in parts of northwest Scotland and also over the far south of Scotland and far north of England."
They warned that there is "a good chance driving conditions will be affected by spray, standing water and/or hail, leading to longer journey times by car and bus".
Train journeys could also be affected. ScotRail already has temporary speed restrictions in place on the Kyle and Far North Lines in response to the forecast, with journeys being delayed by up to 30 minutes as a result.
They area covered by the alert covers most of mainland Scotland, and all of the Highlands bar the very westernmost spots, such as Ardnamurchan. Morvern, Mallaig, and the very western fringe of the Applecross peninsula.
