MET OFFICE forecasters have issued a ‘risk to life’ amber warning today, as Scotland is to be hit with thunder and downpours until Thursday.
A mix of heavy rain and thundery showers have caused 15 regional flood alerts to be issued.
Significant flooding impacts are likely from surface water and small watercourses through Tuesday with some larger rivers responding into Wednesday as more persistent heavy rain develops across much of the mainland.
— Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) (@ScottishEPA) July 27, 2021
Flood Alerts have been issued https://t.co/jshA60LoKJ pic.twitter.com/3TG0r3aDKX
Members of the public are being warned of a high risk of disruption in large parts of mainland Scotland with thunderstorms and heavy rain forecast by the Met Office.
The worst affected areas are likely to be Ross and the Great Glen, Findhorn, Moray, Nairn and Speyside, Tayside, Central, Edinburgh and Lothians and West Central Scotland.
People in affected areas are being urged to use caution when travelling and taking part in outdoor pursuits such as camping, swimming and water sports.
David Faichney, SEPA’s Duty Flooding Manager said: “15 regional Flood Alerts have been issued, and people living and working in affected areas are advised to plan their journeys and consider the steps they need to take now to be prepared, including keeping flood protection products, like sandbags, in place in high risk areas. You can stay up to date with regional Flood Alerts and local flood Warnings at sepa.org.uk/floodupdates."
A meeting of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGoRR) was held earlier today to ensure preparations and appropriate measures are in place.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said:
“The decision by the Met Office to issue the Amber warning for thunderstorms signals a potentially damaging and dangerous risk of flooding in some areas.
“Flooding could happen quickly, even in areas not usually prone to flooding. Some communities might become cut off if roads flood, and power cuts might occur.
“Please take extra care if you are out and about, do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water, avoid camping near watercourses and ensure water conditions are safe if spending time in the water.
“The Scottish Government is in close contact with local authorities and the emergency services to ensure people in the affected areas receive the latest information, advice and support where needed.”
SEPA use forecast weather information provided by the Met Office combined with their own observation of rainfall and river levels and advanced hydrological modelling to provide advance warning of flooding.
Regional Flood Alerts are issued as 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.
Faichney said, “Due to the nature of thundery showers, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly where will be worst hit, but what we do know is that it can happen quickly and can be highly localised.
“It’s important that those out and about, holidaying, engaging in activities near rivers and streams or out hillwalking are aware of the hazards and stay safe. Some rivers and streams can rise to dangerous levels very quickly, so avoid camping near water and be very mindful of conditions if considering activities such as swimming or canoeing.
“SEPA is working 24/7 to monitor rainfall and river levels and is in close contact with the Met Office and other partners to review the forecasts, which are combined with local expertise from all regions of Scotland to understand and present the flooding risk.
“We would encourage the public to remain vigilant, especially in isolated, low lying agricultural areas susceptible to flooding. The most up-to-date information is always available on our website.
“Extreme weather such as prolonged heavy rain following a period of warm, dry weather, is something we will see more of as our climate changes and these patterns become more common in the future.”
SEPA have issued the following information outlining how to be prepared and keep yourself safe in these torrential conditions.
Thunderstorms
Thunderstorms can cause very intense and localised torrential downpours, with potential dangerous flash flooding impacts.
It is very hard to predict where exactly impacts may be experienced; it can also happen suddenly, so it is important you are prepared and remain vigilant.
It is your responsibility to take action to protect yourselves and your property against flooding, for information on how to prepare visit, www.floodlinescotland.org.uk.
Be careful on the roads. Spray and sudden flooding can lead to difficult driving conditions. You should not drive through flood water.
Staying informed
All SEPA’s Alerts and Warnings are available on our website at sepa.org.uk/floodupdates
Floodline is always the most up-to-date information – with any new flood updates available as soon as they are issued.
Advice on what you can do to prepare for flooding can be found at floodlinescotland.org.uk
Be prepared and stay safe
Check Floodline – visit sepa.org.uk/floodupdates
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 are walking beside rivers be extra careful of wet footpaths and possibly small watercourses in spate.
Please consider deploying flooding protection products if required.
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