MOTORISTS have been warned they may face difficult driving conditions in parts of the Highlands, where a yellow severe weather warning is in place following a forecast of heavy rain.

Meteorologists have warned of possible flooding and disruption to travel in an area covering Stonehaven, Aberdeen, Fraserborough, Banff, Elgin, Alness, Inverness and Aviemore.

Up to 50mm of rain is predicted to fall during a 12-hour period overnight, causing surface water and spray on roads, before the rain eases and becomes showery.

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Frank Saunders, a chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “An area of heavy and quite persistent rain will develop across parts of north and north-east Scotland later on Friday evening.

“This will continue overnight before turning showery on Saturday morning.

“It is possible that 20-30mm of rain is likely to fall quite widely in around 12 hours, but there could even be up to 50mm in a few areas.”