Storm Babet is expected to bring exceptionally wet conditions across the country on Thursday, October 19 and Friday, October 20, with very strong winds in the north of Scotland.

Wet weather is set to continue through Saturday.

Ahead of this, ScotRail is warning customers that they can expect services to be disrupted and in some places, suspended, due to such weather. 

Are trains affected by the red weather warning and Storm Babet?

From the start of service on Thursday, ScotRail will suspend services between: 

Aberdeen and Elgin

Edinburgh and Aberdeen via Fife

Perth and Aberdeen via Dundee

Dunblane and Perth

Perth and Aviemore

Tain and Wick/Thurso

All Fife Circle services

This will affect services between Glasgow Queen Street and Aberdeen / Inverness and between Edinburgh Waverley and Aberdeen / Inverness.

The train operator expects the line closures to last until early Saturday, October 21, but this is dependent on the weather conditions and any repair work to railway infrastructure that may be required. 

Other routes will be impacted by precautionary speed restrictions, meaning services may be subject to delay or cancellation. 

Customers are being urged to only travel if necessary and to expect delays.

They should check their journey on the ScotRail app, website or social media channels before heading out. 

Those whose journey has been cancelled or disrupted due to adverse weather can travel one day before or two days after the date on their ticket, and they apply for a fee-free refund on any unused tickets. 

David Simpson, ScotRail's service delivery director, said:  “The Met Office has issued red and amber weather warnings for Storm Babet, with heavy rain across eastern Scotland, and heavy rain and high winds in central and northern Scotland.    

“We know the impact that the withdrawal of some train services will have on customers, but our first priority is always to ensure the safety of our staff and customers.

"This is a necessary step to ensure everyone’s safety during the severe weather. 

“In order to keep our customers and staff safe, speed restrictions will be in place as a precautionary measure on other routes in Scotland, which will mean longer journey times. 

“For routes in the south and west of Scotland, customers are encouraged to check their journey before setting off, and keep an eye on our website, mobile app, or social media channels for live updates.”