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Flooding outlook: 20th August 2024

Janine Hensman, SEPA’s Flood Duty Manager, said:

“Over the next few days there is a risk of flooding around much of the coast, as well river and surface water impacts across west Scotland.

“We are already seeing high spring tides, but we can expect strong winds, high storm surge, large waves and spray overtopping. Flood risk will be greatest around the times of high tide on Wednesday to Friday across the west of Scotland, particularly the Western Isles. Flooding of coastal roads, paths, causeways and properties near the coast is possible, along with potential disruption to travel and infrastructure. 

“As well as strong winds, heavy rainfall on Wednesday into Thursday may lead to river and surface water flooding, particularly across western Scotland. This brings the potential for flooding of low-lying land, roads, isolated property flooding, and disruption to travel and infrastructure.

“We would urge people to take extra care if they are near the coast. Be careful when around exposed coastal areas and don’t walk or drive through flood water as there may be hidden hazards.

“We will continue to work with the Met Office to monitor the situation 24/7 and review regional Flood Alerts and local Flood Warnings as required.

“We advise 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 view the three-day Scottish Flood Forecast to see what conditions are expected further ahead.” 

Further information

Check the Scottish Flood Forecast - developed in partnership with the Met Office, it provides the earliest indication possible of when and where flooding is expected over the next three days, and whether the source is from rivers, surface water or the sea. 

Sign up to Floodline and receive free flood messages letting you know when the area where you live, work or travel through is at risk of flooding.   

Create a flood plan which includes knowing how to shut off your gas, water and electricity supplies.   

Consider installing flood protection at your home. 

Stay safe

• Follow the advice of emergency responders. 
• 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.     
• Stay away from flooded promenades and crashing waves around the coast. 
• 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. 

Difference between Flood Alerts and Flood Warnings

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.