Storm Ashley: Coastal flood impacts expected, with key focus on Western Isles, Orkney and the west coast
Date published: 19 October 2024
Storm Ashley will bring high winds and heavy rain across Scotland throughout Sunday, and into Monday, with coastal flooding expected due to a combination of high tides and large waves. Some Regional Flood Alerts and local Flood Warnings are in place but many more are expected to be issued over the weekend.
Flooding impacts are expected across the country throughout the weekend. Of particular concern is coastal flooding affecting communities on islands off the west coast, Orkney, and the exposed west and south west facing coastlines of the mainland on Sunday.
People can expect to see flooding of coastal roads, paths, and causeways, properties near the coast, parts of communities and disruption to travel and infrastructure. Conditions around the coast will present a possible danger to life due to large waves.
Flooding impacts from surface water are also possible across Scotland as the storm passes through, these should clear by Monday morning.
David Morgan, SEPA’s Flood Duty Manager, said: "Scotland is braced for impacts from Storm Ashley. There’s a risk of coastal flooding across much of the country, particularly on the west coast and the islands, due to already high water levels combined with strong winds and large waves.
"While the risk is greatest around high tide times, our message is clear: take extra care if you are near the coast at any point and stay well clear of waves and water. Be careful when travelling around exposed coastal areas and don’t walk or drive through flood water as there may be hidden hazards.
"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.
"We advise people to sign up to Floodline to receive free updates for where they live, or travel through, directly to their phone. People can also check our flood updates for all the latest information and view the three-day Scottish Flood Forecast to see what conditions are expected further ahead."
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 flood updates for all the latest updates and have a look at 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 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.
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.