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Storm Agnes - Wednesday 27th September

“Minor impacts from surface water and rivers are likely across much of Scotland with particular concern in south west, central areas and Angus. Surface water flooding may cause some localised property flooding, flooding of roads and disruption to travel. There is also concern that surface water flooding may be exacerbated by debris blocking drainage, culverts, etc. as a result of the high winds.

“We may see wave overtopping and flooding of causeways, promenades, properties and roads along the south west coast of Dumfries and Galloway. Impacts are expected to be localised and around high tide.

“Flood alerts and warnings are being issued as necessary and we continue to work with the Met Office to monitor the situation 24/7.

“People living and working in affected areas are advised to consider any steps they need to take now to be prepared and stay safe, and to take extra care if they need to travel.

“We are also encouraging people to sign up to Floodline to receive free updates for where they live, or travel through, directly to their phone. People can also check our Flood Updates for all the latest information and the three-day Scottish Flood Forecast to see what conditions are expected further ahead.”

David Morgan, Flood Duty Manager for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), said.

Staying informed

• Check the latest information on SEPA's regional flood alerts and local flood warnings
• Check the latest advice on what to do to prepare for flooding
• Register for SEPA’s free Floodline message service by calling 0345 988 1188
• Check the three day Scottish Flood Forecast

Be prepared and stay safe

• Don’t walk through flood water – 15cm of fast flowing water could be enough to knock you off your feet and hazards can be hidden under the water.
• Drive with care, and do not travel through deep fast flowing water. It only takes 30cm of fast flowing water to move an average family sized car.
• If you’re walking beside rivers be extra careful of wet footpaths and small watercourses.
• Consider deploying flooding protection products if required.

What’s the difference between a flood alert and a flood warning?

• We use forecast weather information provided by the Met Office combined with our own observation of rainfall and river levels and advanced hydrological modelling to provide advance warning of flooding.
• Regional Flood Alerts are early advice that flooding is possible across a wider geographical area. The purpose of the Alerts is to make people aware of the risk of flooding and be prepared. We normally issue them 12 to 24 hours in advance of the possibility of flooding.
• Flood Warnings are more locally specific and are issued for areas where we have gauges on rivers to measure the exact river height. They are issued at shorter notice when we are more certain that a specific area will be affected.