23 Jan: SEPA warns coastal communities to prepare and be aware as Storm Éowyn approaches
Date published: 23 January 2025
The Met Office has issued Red and Amber wind warnings in Scotland for Storm Éowyn.
Very high winds will affect much of the country throughout Friday and into Saturday, with coastal flooding impacts highly likely across western coastal areas, moving around to the north and eastern side of the country over the next few days.
Of particular concern is the Ayrshire coastline where they are likely to see the greatest impacts on Friday from the wave overtopping and tidal surges and should be prepared for flooding.
People can expect localised coastal flooding of paths, roads, and causeways causing danger to life and disruption to travel and infrastructure. Conditions around the coast will present a possible danger to life due to large waves, high winds and debris.
Mark Franklin, SEPA’s Flood Duty Manager, said: “Storm Éowyn will see most of Scotland subjected to extremely high winds, with a risk of coastal flooding around Scotland’s coastline and in particular along the west coast, along with surface water and small water course flooding.
“There is a real danger to life from wave overtopping, particularly around causeways, coastal roads and paths. Disruption to travel and infrastructure is possible, as is isolated flooding to coastal properties and communities.
“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.
Notes to editor
Check the Scottish Flood Forecast - developed in partnership with the Met Office, it provides the earliest indication possible of when and where flooding is expected over the next three days, and whether the source is from rivers, surface water or the sea.
Sign up to Floodline and receive free flood messages letting you know when the area where you live, work or travel through is at risk of flooding.
Follow SEPA on social media: SEPA provide information on predicted flooding in advance through the dedicated @SEPAFlood account on X and its Facebook page.
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.
Difference between flood alerts and flood warnings
We use forecast weather information provided by the Met Office combined with our own observation of rainfall and river levels and advanced hydrological modelling to provide advance warning of flooding.
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 on rivers to measure the exact river height. They are issued at shorter notice when we are more certain that a specific area will be affected.