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Flooding Outlook: Thursday 22nd August

Heavy rain is expected later tonight and overnight into Friday, 23rd August, with the potential for some significantly strong winds tomorrow morning across southern Scotland. Stom Lillian has been named by the Met Office and will predominately affect northern England, but strong winds will be felt in southern Scotland.

There is potential for a mix of coastal, river and surface flooding around the country due to:
•    A combination of high tides, surge, wind and waves could impact coastal areas
•    Heavy rain late overnight Thursday into Friday
•    Strong winds early on Friday morning

Catherine Evans, SEPA’s Flood Duty Manager, said:

“The remnants of Hurricane Ernesto brought heavy rain and strong winds and there are still potential impacts as rain and winds continue. 

“Coastal flooding impacts are expected across Scotland, particularly across the Western Isles and Orkney on Thursday evening and across Solway, Moray and the Firth of Forth early Friday morning. This is due to a combined high tide, surge, wind and wave. Take care on exposed coasts as wave overtopping and spray can cause flooding on causeways, coastal paths and roads.

“There is also potential for flooding from rivers and surface water across parts of Scotland today and tomorrow due to heavy rain in the south and north east.

“This may cause isolated property flooding as well as flooding of roads and disruption to travel. People living in affected areas are advised to plan journeys in advance. Don’t walk or drive through flood water as there may be hidden hazards.

“We have issued regional Flood Alerts and local Flood Warnings and we continue to work with the Met Office to monitor the situation 24/7. Stay up to date by checking Alerts and Warnings in force now for your area, and follow Met Office updates for weather impacts.”

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.