Cumnock warned to prepare for flooding which could cause 'danger to life'

East Ayrshire will be battered by thunderstorms and heavy rain this Friday according to the Met Office who have now issued a yellow warning.

It comes as emergency services were forced to deploy sandbags in Auchinleck and Kilmaurs after major flooding this week.

Forecasters are predicting there is a chance that homes and businesses could be damaged.

They have put out a weather alert for the entire country as the miserable weather is set to hit the UK.

Drivers are being warned to prepare for ‘difficult driving conditions’ and some roads may close.

The Met office said: "A band of heavy rain followed by heavy showers or thunderstorms has the potential to bring disruption.

“There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings.

“There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep flood water causing danger to life. 

“Where flooding occurs, there is a slight chance of delays or cancellations to train and bus services

“Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures “There is a small chance that some communities become cut off by flooded roads.”

East Ayrshire Council said: “Due to the continuing heavy rain we are currently responding to requests for assistance in a number of communities.

“We are also now responding to a number of incidents in Stewarton in partnership with Scottish Fire and Rescue.

“We continue to be focused upon protecting and assisting the people we serve.

“We will continue to respond across the area as required. Heavy rain is expected to persist.”

They added: “We have also deployed a team on the ground in the Cumnock area so that we can respond quickly to all communities across East Ayrshire.

“Thankfully water levels have receded in Newmilns.

“However further heavy rain is falling. We have deployed sandbags and protected properties and will continue to monitor the situation overnight.

“In Strath Crescent the road has been damaged.”

See the weather warning on the official Met Office here.