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River levels begin to ease as Scotland recovers from heavy Hogmanay rainfall.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have begun to remove regional Flood Alerts and localised Flood Warnings. Some flood warnings remain in the areas most impacted by the recent heavy rainfall, and in the central belt due to a band of heavy rain this morning.

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

"While the outlook is improving, as of 12:00 this afternoon, we continue to have 6 regional flood alerts and 20 localised flood warnings in place.

"We continue to urge people to stay safe and stay out of flood waters, which remain in many areas across the country.

"The last week has been very challenging for people in Scottish communities who have experienced recent severe weather. While we are experiencing an improving picture today and river levels will continue to fall throughout the day, it's important to remember that flood waters still cause hazards. It's important not to put yourself at risk.

"We will continue to update and remove when appropriate our regional Flood Alerts and local Flood Warnings throughout the day as the situation improves; however some warnings will remain in place until tomorrow as it will take time for all waters to flush through the catchments, in particular in the Spey Valley, Easter Ross and the Great Glen area, reflecting the dangers which still exist from standing flood water and fast flowing river water.

"Continue to take the necessary precaution. Remember that not only is flood water likely to be dirty, hazards can be hidden - so please don't walk or drive into it. We also urge people to keep away from any riverbank and manmade waterside infrastructures which may have been affected by the severe impacts experienced.

"SEPA's flooding staff monitor weather forecasts, river levels and flood forecasting models 24/7 throughout the year and will review the data, feeding this back into our models so that we can continue to provide our partner agencies with the best information available.

"This week has continued to demonstrate the importance of early forecasts and warnings for communities and early engagement with partners so they can target support on the ground where it is needed most. While early information won't stop flooding, it does mean you have time to take action to prepare and be aware. If you haven't already signed up to Floodline to receive free Flood Alerts and Warnings directly to your phone, do it now – don't wait until the next flood event to take action."

SEPA continues to work with the Met Office to monitor the situation 24/7. As well as live information at Flood Updates, people can check the three-day Scottish Flood Forecast to see what conditions are expected further ahead.

Be Prepared, Be Aware

• Check the Scottish Flood Forecast: Combining the Met Office's cutting-edge weather forecasts with SEPA's data and expertise, the Scottish Flood Forecast provides a clear, three-day outlook that shows when and where flooding is expected, whether from rivers, surface water, or the sea in Scotland. It can also reassure you if flooding is not expected.
• Sign up to Floodline for text, phone call, or email messages for the area where you live or work, allowing you to take action and prepare when flooding is expected.
• Follow SEPA on social media: SEPA provide information on predicted flooding in advance through the dedicated @SEPAFlood account on X and its Facebook page

For up-to-date information on Flood Alerts and Warnings, visit SEPA's flooding pages.

Notes to editor

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 only issued for areas where we have gauges and forecast models to measure and forecast the exact water height. They are issued at shorter notice when we are more certain that a specific area will be affected. 

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.