THE Met Office has issued a yellow warning for rain for parts of Scotland, with flooding of homes and businesses “likely”.

Heavy showers, long spells of rains and thunderstorms are forecast, while interruptions to power supplies and travel disruption is expected.

The warning mainly focuses on western and central Scotland, with Ayr, Glasgow, Stirling Perth and Tayside all expected to be affected.

The National:

The yellow warning is in place from midday to 9pm on Sunday.

The poor weather is moving across from Northern Ireland, where flooding has already been reported in parts of Derry and Strabane.

Parts of the emergency department at Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry, were closed temporarily as the building was affected by heavy rain.

Meanwhile, events at the Foyle Maritime Festival were called off for health and safety reasons.

"Early showers, some heavy, over Northern Ireland will give way to some more persistent rain, again heavy and perhaps thundery at times, later this morning and afternoon," the Met Office said.

"This rain then moves eastwards into Scotland later this afternoon, conditions here having also been showery during the morning.

"Showers or rain again may also be accompanied by thunder in a few places, perhaps more likely this afternoon.

“Over Scotland, rain is likely to be heavier with 20-30 mm likely for some parts and as much as 30-50 mm rain in a few spots."