Flooding Outlook - Monday 12th January
Date published: 12 January 2026
Following the weekend weather conditions of heavy rain and melting snow across Scotland, we are continuing to see impacts from surface water flooding.
Today (Monday 12th January) flooding impacts are expected as a result of continued snow melt across the hills, particularly across the north west of Scotland, as temperatures increase but conditions will turn colder again into Tuesday (13th January).
Regional flood alerts and local flood warnings remain in place and we expect to see some continued localised disruption, especially across the transport network.
David Cooper, SEPA’s Flood Duty Manager, said:
“The thaw of lying snow and heavy rainfall across the country this weekend brought an increased risk of flooding. As snow at low altitudes continues to melt, the continuing possible impacts include flooding affecting parts of communities, low lying land, transport infrastructure and individual properties.
“SEPA continues to monitor the situation closely, working with the Met Office, Scottish Government and partner agencies. We will issue updates, Flood Alerts and Warnings as appropriate to ensure communities and responders have timely information.
“Keep up to date on the latest information by checking the Live Flooding Information page on SEPA's website.”
Notes to Editors
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.
- 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 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.