Coastal flooding - Saturday, 10 and Sunday, 11 February 2024
Date published: 10 February 2024
The risk of flooding for coastal areas along Eastern coastlines, Orkney, Shetland and Na h-Eileanan Siar is expected to continue over the coming days due to a combination of high tides and large waves. Regional Flood Alerts and Local Flood Warnings are in place. Further Local Flood Warnings are expected to be issued over the weekend.
David Morgan, SEPA’s Flood Duty Manager, said:
“We saw some very large waves overtopping areas on the East coast of Scotland yesterday and in the early hours of this morning, with flooding of causeways, promenades, coastal paths and roads. Similar impacts are expected today and tomorrow.
“While the risk is greatest around high tide times, please be careful if you are near the coast at any point over the weekend, as large waves and sea spray could be dangerous. Stay safe, plan your travel in advance and if in any doubt, stay away from coastal areas.
“Flood Alerts and Warnings are in place so stay up to date though our website. We will continue to work with the Met Office to monitor the situation 24/7 and expect further Local Flood Warnings to be issued over the course of the weekend. People living and working in affected areas are advised to take care if travelling, follow the advice of the emergency services, and consider any steps they need to take now to be prepared and to stay safe.”
Notes to editor
People are encouraged to sign up to the Floodline service to receive free updates for where they live, or where they’re travelling through, directly to their phone.
People can also check flood updates for all the latest updates and have a look at the three day Scottish Flood Forecast to see what’s expected further ahead.
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.
- Be extra careful if near the coast. Stay away from flooded promenades and crashing waves.
- Consider deploying flooding protection products if required.
Stay informed
- Follow @SEPAFlood on X for the latest flooding information.
- Check the Regional Flood Alerts and Local Flood Warnings for your area.
- Check your transport routes and check road conditions.
- Check Ready Scotland for advice on preparing for severe weather.
What’s the difference between a flood alert and a flood warning?
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 to measure the exact water height. They are issued at shorter notice when we are more certain that a specific area will be affected.