Flooding update – Monday, 8 April 2024
Date published: 08 April 2024
Coastal flooding remains possible today and tomorrow along much of our coastline due to high tide levels. Heavy rain is expected to cause surface and river flooding in the south and east on Tuesday and in the west on Wednesday.
Janine Hensman, SEPA’s Flood Duty Manager, said:
“There's a continued risk of coastal flooding across Scotland today (Monday) due to the combination of peak spring tides and surge. Further flooding impacts from rivers and surface water are expected across eastern and southern Scotland tomorrow due to heavy rain forecast from this evening.
“Coastal flooding impacts are most likely in Orkney, Shetland, the Western Isles, Solway and along the east coast, and could continue through to Wednesday. Possible impacts include spray and wave overtopping in exposed locations, flooding of low-lying land and roads, disruption to travel and isolated property flooding. Be careful when travelling around exposed coastal areas and don’t walk or drive through flood water as there may be hidden hazards.
“While Storm Kathleen has passed, another weather system is on the way. Flooding from rivers and surface water is possible in southern, central and north-eastern areas on Tuesday, and another band of rain on Wednesday will affect western areas. Likely impacts include flooding of low-lying land, roads, isolated property flooding, and disruption to travel and infrastructure.
“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 review regional Flood Alerts and local Flood Warnings as required.”
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 our live flooding information page 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 live 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.