A second person has tragically died after being struck by a falling tree whilst driving a van during Storm Babet.
Police have confirmed that a man, aged 56, was fatally hit by the tree near Forfar in Angus on Thursday.
Emergency services rushed to the scene on the B0127 at Whigstreet at around 5.05pm. The man was driving a van at the time of the incident. He was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
It comes after the body of a 57-year-old woman was earlier swept in a river in Angus. Her body was recovered on Thursday. Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf paid tribute on X, formerly Twitter: “Such sad news. My thoughts are with the family, friends and loved ones of the woman who has sadly lost her life.”
Met Office has issued a second danger to life warning (PA)A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 1.45pm on Thursday October 19, officers attended a report of a person having been swept into the Water of Lee, Glen Esk. Around 4pm, the body of a 57-year-old woman was recovered from the river. There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.” Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross addressed the tragdey and said: “Dreadful news from Angus this evening. My thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of the lady who has sadly lost her life.” It comes as Scotland could be swamped with its heaviest rainfall in history as Storm Babet launched a brutal four-day onslaught across Britain. Parts of the UK are being covered by torrential rain and gale force winds with locals from an entire town told to evacuate. The Met Office has issued a second red danger to life warning following the severity of the weather.
Gales, snow and rain to batter country today with 80mph wind gusts
A red alert has been issued for Saturday (Met Office)The forecaster warned that further rainfall is expected to lead to more severe flooding and disruption. The alert read: "Prolonged and very heavy rain is expected to develop across parts of Angus and Aberdeenshire area throughout Saturday, in areas already affected by severe flooding. Accumulations of 70 to 100 mm are expected over a period of 18 to 24 hours, the highest accumulations over the hills. Less rainfall is expected around coastal areas, but impacts from the higher rainfall further west will extend towards the coast." It has been issued from midnight until 23.59pm on Saturday. Brits have been told to prepare for disruption to rail travel across the UK following the harsh conditions. It has been reported that several routes in north-west England, the Midlands and north Wales have been shut off due to flooding. Hamza Yousaf previously stressed "travel should be avoided unless absolutely essential."
The Met Office has warned what to expect ahead of this weekend
- Danger to life from fast flowing or deep floodwater
- Extensive flooding to homes and businesses
- Collapsed or damaged buildings or structures
- Road closures and bus and train service delays and cancellations
- Dangerous driving conditions because of spray and flooded roads
- Loss of power and other essential services, such as gas, water and mobile phone service
- Communities completely cut off, perhaps for several days
