SEPA warns ‘there is a danger to life’ as it fears a ‘widespread flooding event’ today and tomorrow
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The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) has issued serious warnings that torrential rain poses “a danger to life” amid what it calls a ‘widespread flooding event’ today and tomorrow.
Flood duty manager for SEPA Vincent Fitzsimons said “many areas will see heavy rain for well over 24hrs before it clears on Sunday” and among the areas “of particular concern” are Aviemore and “communities down the Spey Valley.”
He advised against complacency, saying “I want to be very clear that this is not a normal Autumn day for Scotland” with “extensive river and surface” flooding so people should “consider any steps they need to take now to be prepared.”
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A projected area of highest risk flooding can be seen in the maps pictured below so disruption is believed to continue well into tomorrow – that along with Met Office weather warnings now extending for most of Sunday.
Monday is forecast to be free of flood risk though the lingering effects in affected areas may still be apparent.
‘There is a danger to life’
Mr Fitzsimons said: “SEPA has issued Regional Flood Alerts and more locally specific Flood Warnings across Scotland due to the major rainfall event that is bringing prolonged, heavy rain throughout the day and into Sunday.
“I want to be very clear that this is not a normal Autumn day for Scotland. We’re expecting extensive river and surface water flooding in affected areas. There is a danger to life. There will be widespread impacts to road and rail. There is a risk of more significant community scale property flooding.
“Rain will move across central and western parts this morning, moving northwards through the day. Many areas will see heavy rain for well over 24hrs before it clears on Sunday.
“Of particular concern are communities in the amber area that extends from west central Scotland northwards. Examples include Aviemore and communities down the Spey Valley, and also Milngavie, Aberfoyle, Callander and Bridge Of Allan.
“Further Local Flood Warnings are likely to be issued, people can always check our Flood Updates for all the latest information. We advise people living, working and travelling in the affected areas to consider any steps they need to take now to be prepared for flooding impacts and consider whether their journey is necessary.
"We will continue to keep a very close eye on the situation, monitoring 24/7 as well as working closely with the Met Office and other partner agencies."
He added: “We would strongly advise people to sign up to Floodline to receive free updates for where they live, or travel through, directly to their phone. As well as checking our Flood Updates for all the latest information, people can view the three-day Scottish Flood Forecast to see what conditions are expected further ahead.”
