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Flooding update – Tuesday, 9 April

Pascal Lardet, SEPA’s Flood Duty Manager, said:

“There is potential for flooding from rivers and surface water across southern, central and north-eastern parts of Scotland today and tomorrow due to persistent and heavy rain. Further heavy rain is also forecast in western areas tomorrow, with coastal impacts likely in the Solway Firth.

“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.

“There is also a continued risk of coastal flooding impacts across the Solway Firth, Western Isles and along the east coast due to a period of high spring tides and some moderate wave surge, which will abate after Wednesday. Take care on exposed coasts as wave overtopping and spray can cause flooding on causeways, coastal paths and roads.

“We have issued regional Flood Alerts and local Flood Warnings and 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.”

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 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.
• If you’re walking beside rivers be extra careful of wet footpaths and small watercourses.
• 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.