Storm Darragh: Regional Flood Alerts and Local Flood Warnings in place
Date published: 07 December 2024
Two local Flood Warnings and twelve regional Flood Alerts have been put in place as Storm Darragh continues to bring heavy rain and high winds across Scotland.
David Morgan, Flood Duty Manager for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), said:
“Due to persistent rainfall, localised flooding caused by surface water and high river levels is possible across southern, central and north-eastern Scotland, with low-lying land, roads, and known trouble spots at risk of flooding.
"High winds and possible localised flooding can create challenging conditions for travel, with potential disruptions to roads and rail services. We’re urging those planning to travel this weekend, to check conditions in advance, stay informed, and allow extra time for journeys.
"Coastal areas may also face dangerous conditions due to wave overtopping and sea spray caused by the strong winds accompanying the storm.”
SEPA will continue to work with partners in monitoring the situation and issue updates throughout the weekend.
Prepare and 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.
Visit SEPA’s flooding pages today to access these tools and find out more about how to prepare for and be aware of potential flooding.
Stay informed
- 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.
- Follow @SEPAFlood on X for the latest flooding information.
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.
- Consider deploying flooding protection products if required.
What's the difference between flood alerts and flood warnings?
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.