Live blog: Storm Babet brings damaging impacts

Storm Babet is bringing impactful winds and rain through today, particularly across eastern and north-eastern Scotland.

Yesterday parts of Cork in Ireland received immense amounts of rainfall, with the same locations that were impacted by Storm Agnes just a few weeks ago, seeing devastating flooding once again.

Today, the heavy rain from Babet will become focused towards north-east Scotland, where torrential downpours will be bringing a significant risk of flooding, accompanied by strong winds.

We'll be keeping you updated right here throughout the day in our live blog.

Strong winds are whipping up large waves at Aberdeen Harbour as Babet sets in. Potential storm surge on the way with peak tides not expected until 4.51pm.

Sea foam has also been churned up by the stormy conditions. It is usually caused by algae releasing a chemical in rough seas, accompanied by turbulent waves.

Evacuations are now in place for the town of Brechin, Angus, as a severe flood warning has been issued. The council will be going door-to-door shortly with those in the affected areas asked to leave immediately.

Babet's heavy rain has already set up across eastern Scotland as over 100 mm of rain could fall widely throughout today, perhaps locally even in excess of 200 mm.

14 flood alerts and 8 flood warnings have already been issued by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA). Across England, 36 flood alerts and 5 flood warnings are also out in force. Read more here on how to stay safe during a flood.

Parts of Scotland are under a rare red warning for rain as issued by the Met Office, with the risk of life-threatening rain. Councils are warning of the potential need for evacuations with some flood defences expected to be breached.