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PICTURES: Updated coastal flooding alert for Caithness and Sutherland


By Alan Hendry

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Waves crashing against the harbour quay on the north side of Wick Bay, near Scalesburn. Picture: Alan Hendry
Waves crashing against the harbour quay on the north side of Wick Bay, near Scalesburn. Picture: Alan Hendry

An updated coastal flooding alert has been issued for Caithness and Sutherland.

It was announced on Sunday evening by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), the country's environmental regulator, and covers the whole of the east, north and west coasts.

SEPA said: "Due to high spring tides and large waves, conditions in coastal areas could be dangerous. There is a risk of flooding to low-lying areas from Sunday evening onwards.

"Remain vigilant and remember, it is your responsibility to take actions which help protect yourself and your property. Advice and information is also available through Floodline on 0345 9881188."

Over the weekend, strong winds and a big swell brought high waves crashing over the harbour walls at Wick. Emergency stabilisation work has been taking place at the harbour entrance ahead of a wider programme of improvements at the port.

There was partial flooding in low-lying areas of the town, such as Martha Terrace and Market Street, around high tide on Saturday and Sunday. Some motorists and pedestrians crossing the Service Bridge encountered waves breaking over the parapet when the tide was at its highest, with seaweed and other debris being thrown onto roads and into the Camps car park.

The road to the North Baths, the popular outdoor swimming pool on the northern side of Wick Bay, was also flooded for a time and large boulders covered the road surface.

A powerful wave at the former lifeboat station on the south side of Wick Bay on Sunday. Picture: Alan Hendry
A powerful wave at the former lifeboat station on the south side of Wick Bay on Sunday. Picture: Alan Hendry
Waves smashing against Wick's outer harbour wall, as a gull sits unperturbed on top of the lighthouse. Picture: Alan Hendry
Waves smashing against Wick's outer harbour wall, as a gull sits unperturbed on top of the lighthouse. Picture: Alan Hendry
Around high tide, mini-fountains of seawater could be seen spouting up on the quayside at Wick's outer harbour. Picture: Alan Hendry
Around high tide, mini-fountains of seawater could be seen spouting up on the quayside at Wick's outer harbour. Picture: Alan Hendry
Around high tide, mini-fountains of seawater could be seen spouting up on the quayside at Wick's outer harbour. Picture: Alan Hendry
Around high tide, mini-fountains of seawater could be seen spouting up on the quayside at Wick's outer harbour. Picture: Alan Hendry
Waves surging towards the harbour entrance at Wick on Sunday afternoon. Picture: Alan Hendry
Waves surging towards the harbour entrance at Wick on Sunday afternoon. Picture: Alan Hendry
Another wave hits the outer harbour wall at Wick. Picture: Alan Hendry
Another wave hits the outer harbour wall at Wick. Picture: Alan Hendry
Flooding on the road to the North Baths, where boulders had been hurled up onto the shore. Picture: Alan Hendry
Flooding on the road to the North Baths, where boulders had been hurled up onto the shore. Picture: Alan Hendry
Waves crashing against the harbour quay on the north side of Wick Bay, near Scalesburn. Picture: Alan Hendry
Waves crashing against the harbour quay on the north side of Wick Bay, near Scalesburn. Picture: Alan Hendry
Partial flooding along Market Street in Wick on Sunday. Picture: Alan Hendry
Partial flooding along Market Street in Wick on Sunday. Picture: Alan Hendry
A big swell in Wick Bay on Sunday afternoon, around high tide. Picture: Alan Hendry
A big swell in Wick Bay on Sunday afternoon, around high tide. Picture: Alan Hendry

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