Severe flooding could cause “danger to life” in parts of Scotland, according to forecasters, as weather warnings take effect on Hogmanay.
The north west and central Highlands are expected to be worst hit by heavy downpours, with a Met Office amber alert running from 00:00 until 17:00.
The Scottish government’s minister for resilience Angela Constance said it was “imperative” people in affected areas did not take unnecessary risks.
Further yellow weather warnings for rain, wind and snow are in place for almost all of the country, which led to Edinburgh’s outdoor Hogmanay celebrations being cancelled on Monday.
Heavy downpours of rain are expected to burst riverbanks in Aviemore and Carrbridge in the Highlands.
Sepa previously issued three severe flood warnings in the area, though these were scrapped by 07:45.
The environmental body said overnight rainfall had not been as intense as expected but urged people to stay alert around flood waters.
Sepa duty flood manager Cordelia Menmuir told BBC Radio’s Good Morning Scotland programme the agency is still expecting rainfall and some flooding throughout the course of the day, particularly in the north of Scotland.
“We are hopeful that people should not be expecting those severe levels we were expecting yesterday.” she said.
“As with any event there is always a danger to life where flood water is involved and if people go near to the rivers there is a danger to life. There will be water in areas we would not normally expect to find it in.”
“We would urge people to listen to the emergency services that are on the ground, to seek assistance if they believe they are in danger, to phone 999 but the best thing they can do is be prepared.”
Currently there are 10 flood alerts and 31 flood warnings from Sepa in effect across the country.
Rail operator ScotRail – which already planned to end services early on Hogmanay – said journey times may be extended and speed restrictions were in effect on several lines, including Aberdeen to Inverness and Perth to Stirling.
Ferry operator CalMac cancelled a number of morning services on some routes and warned further disruption could continue throughout the day.
Douglas Cairns, Traffic Scotland operator manager at Transport Scotland, said: “Road, rail, air and ferry services are all likely to be affected by the conditions, with localised flooding, longer journey times and cancellations possible, as well as potential restrictions on bridges.”
Mr Cairns added that people travelling should plan their journeys well in advance and leave plenty of time.
Scottish government ministers and officials – including First Minister John Swinney – attended a meeting of the Scottish government’s Resilience Room on Monday to discuss measures in place for the weather.
Constance said: “Severe flood warnings with a danger to life are rarely issued and it’s imperative all those in the affected areas play their part to stay safe.
“I would urge everyone to take action now by staying away from flood water and not taking any unnecessary risks.
“I know many people will have plans to celebrate Hogmanay with friends and family but with road, rail, air and ferry services all likely to be affected by the conditions, I would urge everyone to please plan ahead to make sure it is safe to travel.”
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay events, including a Princes Street Gardens concert by the band Texas and a fireworks display, were cancelled on Monday.
Organisers Unique Assembly said it made the decision due to fears over high winds being a risk to public safety.
Unique Assembly director Al Thomson told BBC Radio Scotland’s Drivetime programme it was “the right decision to make.”
He added: “We want the world to come and celebrate in Edinburgh, but I think that everyone has seen the weather we have had and the weather that is forecast over the next couple of days.
“This is a decision nobody takes lightly, but in light of the weather last night and today, it was a fairly easy decision in terms of the information we have.”
Indoor events, including an Idlewild concert at the Assembly Rooms and a candlelit concert at St Giles’ Cathedral, are expected to go ahead as planned.
The yellow warning of rain for Hogmanay covers central Scotland, Tayside and Fife, Grampian, the Highlands and Western Isles, Edinburgh, West Lothian and Strathclyde, including most of Argyll and Bute.
A separate warning of “persistent snow” for Orkney and Shetland will run from 05:00 throughout the entire day.
The New Year is likely to bring little respite in some areas, with yellow weather warnings for snow and ice already in place for Inverness and the Highlands on New Year’s Day and 2 January.
