Highest weather warning level issued for Aberdeenshire

A rare red warning for extreme rainfall has now been issued for parts of the north-east.

It's in place from 6pm tomorrow until noon on Friday. 

The Met Office description says it could cause danger to life from fast flowing or deep floodwater and property damage.

Driving conditions could also be dangerous because of spray and flooded roads.  

Operator LNER has confirmed it will not run any trains north of Edinburgh until Saturday. 

A “do not travel” message is also in place from the company.

Network Rail says the following railway lines in the north east are going to be closed over the next two days.

• Perth – Aberdeen via Dundee
• Aberdeen – Elgin (Aberdeen – Inverness line)
• Edinburgh and Aberdeen via Fife.

Any trains that are running will be put under speed restrictions and a revised timetable.

Network Rail says its engineers will inspect affected lines on Saturday morning for damage and reopen them when safe to do so, as uprooted trees and debris could blow onto the tracks and heavy rain could cause landslips or wash away stones from beneath the lines.

It's also deploying extra engineers for all this work.

ScotRail is telling people to check their journey before travelling and is also advising people to not travel as "no alternative transport is available".

Transport Scotland is also telling people to plan ahead.

Liam Sumpter, Network Rail Scotland route director, said: “Our top priority is the safety of our passengers and colleagues, so we’ll close lines in the worst affected areas and introduce speed restrictions in others as a precaution.

“Our engineers will thoroughly inspect the network for any damage before we reopen the lines and restart train services.

“Weather specialists, based in our control room, will monitor conditions closely throughout Thursday and Friday, and our teams on the ground will be ready to deal with any issues Storm Babet may cause.”