Authorities Braced For Repeat Of The Big Storm This Week

19th December 2012

SEPA warns of potential flooding across Scotland.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has warned of potential flooding across Scotland through Thursday and Friday.

There is a risk of further coastal flooding on the North and East coastlines and areas affected last weekend may see more impacts over the coming days. River flooding may impact on areas across eastern extents of Argyll and Bute, Aberdeenshire, Edinburgh and Lothians, Fife and the Scottish Borders, however, rivers in Tayside, Dundee and Angus and southern Aberdeenshire are currently at greatest risk.

Vincent Fitzsimons, Hydrology Duty Manager for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), said:

"Heavy persistent rain and gale force south-easterly winds have been forecast during Thursday affecting the Southern Uplands and areas north of the Central Belt (from Stirlingshire to Tayside and Angus).

"There is a risk of river flooding on Thursday and Friday in Tayside, Dundee and Angus with rivers in Tayside and Angus, as well as southern Aberdeenshire, at greatest risk. Impacts in these areas could include flooding to land and roads on Thursday and Friday.

"There is a coastal flood risk for the latter part of Thursday and throughout Friday for the North and East coastlines. Areas affected last weekend could again be affected, and waves of around five metres are possible throughout these areas, with potential for larger waves from Stonehaven northwards to Orkney.

"SEPA will continue to monitor the situation and would encourage people in the affected areas to remain vigilant and be mindful of the conditions in their locality and when travelling. Members of the public can access the latest flood updates for their area, and sign up to Floodline, our direct warning service, via our website, or by calling 0845 988 1188."

Environment Minister Paul Wheelhouse said:

"With heavy and persistent rain forecast for Thursday and Friday, the Scottish Government's resilience team is closely monitoring developments to deliver a co-ordinated response. Ministers are being kept abreast of the situation – I am speaking to SEPA today to discuss the information that SEPA is providing to the public and emergency responders and to hear first hand what the potential impacts may be.

"As the exceptional weather over last weekend showed us, it is important that public stay vigilant and take appropriate precautions. I would urge the public to keep up to date on the latest flood updates from SEPA using Floodline on 0845 988 1188 , the Traffic Scotland website and also to listen to their local radio station for updates from the police and local authorities as circumstances could quickly change."

You can check SEPA's website for the latest flooding alerts or call Floodline on 0845 988 1188.

For real time journey information visit http://trafficscotland.org follow [AT]trafficscotland on Twitter, or call 0800 028 14 14.