By Dave Lord and Stefan Morkis

FLOODGATES IN Perth were slammed shut last night as the town was battered by torrential rain and high winds and officials warned that the severe weather posed a “serious danger to life and property.”

In Dundee, meanwhile, high winds forced the closure of the Tay Road Bridge to all traffic last night.

The bridge was closed at 11.10pm after it was lashed by gusts of wind travelling at speeds of up to 88mph

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) issued two severe flood warnings for Perthshire. With heavy rain expected to continue overnight those living close to the Tay in Aberfeldy were told to take urgent action to protect themselves against rising waters.

“A severe flood warning has been issued for the River Tay from Kenmore to the A9 road bridge upstream of Dunkeld, including Aberfeldy and Dalguise,” said a SEPA spokesman.

“River and loch levels remain very high and rain overnight may lead to a further increase.

“There maybe a risk of failure to weak parts of flood embankments in this area,” he said.

“This means that severe flooding is expected, affecting many homes and businesses, main roads and large areas of land. There is a serious danger to life and property. Act now to protect yourself, your family, your home or business.”

A severe flood warning was issued for the River Tummel downstream of the Pitlochry dam to Ballinluig.

With high tides in Perth in the early hours of this morning, gates at the harbour were among those closed.

Police advised that the floodgates were down and Shore Road in Perth was shut to motorists, while Aberbothrie Road in Coupar Angus and the Aberfeldy to Weem road were closed due to flooding. Police advised drivers to drive carefully and be aware of signs advising of any diversions.

The sudden storms were caused by a deep Atlantic depression, bringing with it up to 75mm (3 in) of rain.

Forecasters said 25 to 50mm of rain could fall over the next few days, with up to 75mm possible in total.