GLASGOW and Ayrshire are today braced for more flood misery as the recent downpours which have wreaked havoc on roads look set to continue.

The weather forecasters' grim outlook follows a day of torrential rain across the west of Scotland, which brought travel chaos and widespread localised flooding

Yesterday's deluge – which saw around 12mm of rain fall – turned many of the Glasgow's roads into rivers, as many struggled to get home along soaking streets.

Heavy rain and flooding caused several city roads including Balmore Road, in Ruchill, Byres Road and Maryhill Road.

Routes in Summerston and Hyndland were also affected, but Glasgow City Council workers reacted quickly to unblock drains and get traffic moving again.

In South Lanarkshire the overnight rain was interspersed with sleet showers.

Meanwhile, people living in parts of Ayrshire needed sandbags to prevent their homes being flooded after torrential rain swept across the area.

More than 160 bags were given out by South Ayrshire Council staff in Troon yesterday after more than 60 calls from residents.

Other towns badly affected included Ayr, Coylton, Culroy, Dundonald, Dunure, Kirkmichael, Mossblown, Prestwick and Tarbolton.

Mike Newall, the council's head of planning and enterprise, said: "We are doing all we can to help our local communities who are affected by flooding.

"Our staff are out there in horrendous conditions in an effort to make a positive difference."

Rush-hour drivers were today warned to keep their speeds down after reports of surface water on the M8 and M74.

Traffic Scotland said road users in the area "must exercise extreme caution".

A severe weather warning has been issued for most of the country and The Met Office have urged people in central Scotland to take extra care.

Forecaster Matt Dobson, of Meteogroup, said: "Monday has been a thoroughly wet day in Scotland, with squally winds and even wet snow."

"The north-west wind looks set to pick up, with gusts of between 50 and 60mph in the north and west so it will feel colder."

rebecca.gray@ heraldandtimes.co.uk

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