FLOOD alerts have been issued for coastal areas still recovering from severe weekend storms.

Gale force winds and high tides forced dozens of people to be evacuated from their homes in the east of the country, with ports and flood defences damaged.

The predicted bad weather could affect travellers, in particular motorists, heading off early for Christmas holidays. Police warned drivers to take extra care in the difficult conditions.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency is warning of potential flooding today and tomorrow.

The Met Office has amber "be prepared" warnings in place for central Scotland over the next two days while yellow "be aware" warnings cover much of the rest of the country. Snow could fall in the highest areas.

Sepa hydrology manager Vincent Fitzsimons said: "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 16ft are possible throughout these areas, with potential for larger waves from Stonehaven northwards to Orkney.

"Elsewhere, heavy persistent rain and gale force south-easterly winds could affect the Southern Uplands and areas around the central belt such as Stirlingshire, Tayside and Angus."

During the storm on Friday, a crewman aboard North Sea stand-by vessel the Vos Sailor died after the boat suffered serious damage, and 11 others had to be winched to safety.

About 60 people were evacuated from properties in Stonehaven and Peterhead and harbour walls and some commercial properties were badly damaged along the east coast.

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 the public stay vigilant and take appropriate precautions."

Mr Wheelhouse urged 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."

Tayside Police are urging drivers to take care in what could prove to be challenging and difficult driving conditions.

It urged anyone who is travelling through the wet weather to allow plenty of time for their journey, reduce their speed, keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front and using dipped headlights where appropriate.