Accidents and natural disasters: In some places in Scotland, rainfall is expected to reach 250 millimeters in 24 hours. Meteorologists have issued a red alert and said there is danger to life and health due to flooding.

– There is also a strong wind warning in parts of eastern Scotland, where gusts could reach 100-110 kilometers per hour, increasing the danger, said meteorologist Greg Dewhurst. Wind speeds were equivalent to about 30 meters per second in the storm named Babet.

Britons in vulnerable areas are being urged to prepare for power cuts and road closures. Some schools sent children home at lunchtime on Thursday, and public transport has announced it is canceling departures.

– It’s about securing valuables and leaving affected areas by Friday morning, said Morten Anker Jensen of Southeast Jutland police on calls to stay away from flood-prone areas.

Police Inspector Gert Bisgaard in South and Southern Jutland urged the public and businesses to prepare for possible flooding if warnings about strong winds and water levels remain in place.

The Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI) has warned of very high water levels from Friday morning until midday on Saturday. This warning applies south of the Little Belt and Funen, the south coast of Lolland-Falster, and South East Zealand. Water levels are expected to peak on Saturday evening.

Mobile flood defenses have been installed in some areas.

Here at home, Fjord Line has canceled several ferry departures between Norway and Denmark.

Meteorological agency SMHI warned of major flooding in the region as waters continued to rise on Friday evening. Around Falsterbo, water levels may reach their highest levels since the 1990s.

Flooding could also affect the accessibility of rail and road traffic, SMHI warned. They also said that ports and buildings on the coast were at risk of major damage, including to boats and ships lying at the docks.

High water levels were also announced in Denmark at several places along the coast. Harbors and areas with holiday homes were in danger of flooding, and two police districts in southern Jutland urged people to leave coastal areas by Friday.

A number of ferry departures have been cancelled, including to and from Samsø. Scandlines has canceled all departures between Gedser and German Rostock until Saturday, while the Rødy-Puttgarden connection will continue to operate as usual.

Swedish meteorologists also warned against high water levels. An orange danger warning has been issued for the south coast from Friday evening and Saturday, the TT news agency said.

(© NTB)