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Flooding Outlook: 4th - 6th February 2024

Mark Franklin, Flood Duty Manager for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), said:

“Persistent rain, heavy at times, is forecast in western Scotland on Sunday, becoming widespread on Monday.

“Flooding from surface water is possible on Sunday evening into Monday. River levels are also expected to be high overnight on Sunday into Monday and Tuesday, particularly around Speyside and Great Glen.

“We could see rivers reach the same heights as Storm Isha last month, but possibly higher in some locations. Travel disruption is possible, as well as flooding to land and properties.

“We have issued Regional Flood Alerts and continue to work with the Met Office to monitor the situation 24/7, updating Alerts and Local Flood Warnings as necessary.

“People living, working and travelling 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 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.”

Be prepared

• 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 Alert and 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.