SEPA warns of potential flooding across Scotland
19 December 2012
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has warned of
potential flooding across Scotland through Thursday and Friday.
There is a risk of further coastal flooding on the North and
East coastlines and areas affected last weekend may see more
impacts over the coming days. River flooding may impact on areas
across eastern extents of Argyll and Bute, Aberdeenshire, Edinburgh
and Lothians, Fife and the Scottish Borders, however, rivers in
Tayside, Dundee and Angus and southern Aberdeenshire are currently
at greatest risk.
Vincent Fitzsimons, Hydrology Duty Manager for the Scottish
Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), said:
"Heavy persistent rain and gale force south-easterly winds have
been forecast during Thursday affecting the Southern Uplands and
areas north of the Central Belt (from Stirlingshire to Tayside and
Angus).
"There is a risk of river flooding on Thursday and Friday in
Tayside, Dundee and Angus with rivers in Tayside and Angus, as well
as southern Aberdeenshire, at greatest risk. Impacts in these areas
could include flooding to land and roads on Thursday and
Friday.
"There is a coastal flood risk for the latter part of Thursday
and throughout Friday for the North and East coastlines. Areas
affected last weekend could again be affected, and waves of around
five metres are possible throughout these areas, with potential for
larger waves from Stonehaven northwards to Orkney.
"SEPA will continue to monitor the situation and would encourage
people in the affected areas to remain vigilant and be mindful of
the conditions in their locality and when travelling. Members of the public can access the latest flood
updates for their area, and sign up to Floodline, our direct
warning service, via our website, or by calling 0845 988
1188."
Environment Minister Paul Wheelhouse said:
"With heavy and persistent rain forecast for Thursday and
Friday, the Scottish Government's resilience team is closely
monitoring developments to deliver a co-ordinated response.
Ministers are being kept abreast of the situation – I am speaking
to SEPA today to discuss the information that SEPA is providing to
the public and emergency responders and to hear first hand what the
potential impacts may be.
"As the exceptional weather over last weekend showed us, it is
important that public stay vigilant and take appropriate
precautions. I would urge the public to keep up to date on the
latest flood updates from SEPA using Floodline on 0845 988 1188 ,
the Traffic Scotland website and also to listen to their local
radio station for updates from the police and local authorities as
circumstances could quickly change."
You can check SEPA's website for the
latest flooding alerts or call Floodline on 0845 988 1188.
For real time journey information visit http://trafficscotland.org 
follow @trafficscotland on Twitter, or call 0800 028 14
14.
Ends