Coastal flooding update - Monday, 12 February 2024
Date published: 12 February 2024
Coastal flooding across the North, North East, South West, Northern Isles and Western Isles remains likely today (Monday) due to a combination of high tides and large waves.
David Morgan, SEPA’s Flood Duty Manager, said:
“We’re expecting to see further flooding impacts across most of the Scottish coastline today as sea levels remain high. While conditions in most parts of the country are less dangerous than they have been over the weekend, these high water levels mean there is still a risk of localised property flooding across the North, North East, South West, Western Isles and Northern Isles.
“Today (Monday), high tides and large waves are likely to cause spray and wave overtopping, which could lead to flooding of promenades, causeways, coastal paths and roads. While the risk is greatest around high tide times, please be careful if you are near the coast at any point, as large waves and 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 will update flood messages as required. 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 check 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.