SEPA warns communities to stay vigilant as flooding impacts will continue into New Year’s Day
Date published: 31 December 2024
Multiple regional Flood Alerts and local Flood Warnings remain in place across north and central Scotland, with the highest risks remaining on the Spey, Great Glen and Tay catchments.
Rivers will continue to rise in response to further rain today and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) continues to warn of potential property flooding, flooding of roads and disruption to travel infrastructure.
Pascal Lardet, SEPA’s Flood Duty Manager, said:
“While we thankfully did not see some of the very high levels predicted overnight around Aviemore and Carrbridge, there is still a particular concern for communities along the Spey river. Other catchments affected include the Tay, Ness, Forth and Teith. I want to be clear that communities in these areas should stay alert throughout the day and into tomorrow as some rivers will continue to rise over the course of the day and evening. People should still take any required action to protect themselves and their property.
"It’s been a difficult few days across Scotland, with weather causing widespread travel disruption to road and rail networks and impacts in communities. Across many areas of the country there is still some deep standing water and it’s really important people are prepared and aware of the danger. Hazards can be hidden, so please don’t walk or drive into flood water. Remember that not only is flood water likely to be dirty, 30 cm of fast flowing water can move an average family sized car, and just 15 cm of fast flowing water could be enough to knock you off your feet.
“Our teams have been working around the clock with partner agencies, including Scottish Government, the Met Office, emergency services and local authorities across this major weather event. We will continue to provide information and support in the coming days and weeks to ensure Scotland recovers from this event and becomes more resilient to future flooding.
"We’ll be continuing to issue further updates around the clock to communities across Scotland and our advice remains for people to keep up to date with information from SEPA and follow guidance from emergency services.”
Check the number of Flood Alerts and Warnings at sepa.scot/flooding
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.
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
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 SEPA’s social media 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