Scotland hit by further flooding

Heavy rains have caused further flooding in parts of Scotland, forcing people out of their homes and causing major travel disruption, the Guardian reported on Friday.

Roads have been closed and trains and flights cancelled in Aberdeen and the surrounding region as water levels reached record highs.

Residents in the city's Grandholm area were urged to leave their homes amid fears that the river Don would overtop its banks.

Upriver, the towns of Inverurie and Kintore in Aberdeenshire have been badly hit by flooding, prompting the local council to call for volunteers to help with emergency relief efforts.

Police reported people stuck in their cars on flooded roads. The rail line between Aberdeen and Dundee has been suspended.

Flights were unable to land at Aberdeen airport on Thursday night after "unprecedented" rainfall damaged a section of tarmac on the runway.

Warnings for snow and ice were also in place for much of Scotland, Northern Ireland and north-west and north-east England.

Rest centres have been set up across the region for people who have been forced to leave their homes. More than 20 schools have been closed or partially closed due to the severe conditions.