Severe flooding across Ayrshire as A78 closed and pumps deployed

Severe flooding is impacting some of Ayrshire’s busiest roads this morning.

The A78 has been closed in both directions at Hunterston while flooding at the A77 Bellfield Interchange is affecting both lanes according to Traffic Scotland.

Queen’s Drive in Kilmarnock has severe flooding close to the roundabout at the entrance to the retail park.

The worst of the flooding appears to be outside the Royal Mail depot off Queen’s Drive at the side of Asda. Both sides of the road are badly affected with Royal Mail vehicles populating the nearby retail park.

East Ayrshire Council has warned of flooding in a number of streets in the region.

The warning from the local authority reads: “A FLOOD WARNING has been issued for Queen’s Drive, New Mill Road and Samson Avenue.

“Following a period of intense rainfall overnight, river levels are predicted to rise through the morning and peak later in the day.

“Flooding of the Scott Ellis playing fields, access to the retail park and properties in and around Queens Drive may be possible later this afternoon. Pumps are being deployed.”

The A78 warning from Inrix reads: “A78 Snowdon Terrace in both directions closed, queueing traffic due to flooding from Oilrig Road (Hunterston) to B7048 Portencross Road (Portencross).”

A Met Office yellow warning for rain is in place until 2pm today.

Forecasters said: Heavy rain will arrive in the early hours of Friday morning, lasting throughout before clearing from the west. 20-30mm will fall widely within a 12 hour period with 50-70mm possible in a few areas, mainly across high ground in the south for which a separate amber warning will be in force.

“The rain will be preceded by a spell of snow over higher ground, particularly to the north of the Central Belt, for which a separate warning will be in force. Strong southerly winds will accompany the rain, especially around southwestern coasts where gusts of 55-65mph are likely.”

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