Flood warnings as rain continues

Dec 22 2012

Flood warnings remain in place for large parts of the country with heavy rain set to continue over the weekend.

Firefighters have spent much of the last two days clearing water away from properties across Tayside and Fife, with some homes evacuated in Cupar due to rising water levels.

Roads and rail lines in the central belt were blocked due to flooding and landslides yesterday, but major damage has so far been averted.

The River Eden in Cupar, Fife, burst its banks forcing homeowners and businesses close to the river to lay out sandbags. Two families were evacuated from their homes in Cupar Mills, Cupar and alternative accommodation has been arranged by the council.

In Comrie, Perthshire, which was flooded last month, the Water of Ruchill burst its banks again on Friday but recently installed flood defences held the water at bay from the village.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has 16 flood warnings in place across the Borders, Tayside and Aberdeenshire, but the worst of the weather seems to have passed in eastern coastal communities like that were badly damaged by severe storms last weekend.

Richard Brown, head of hydrology at Sepa, said: "Due to the forecast of heavy rainfall, the risk remains of potential flooding in areas of central and eastern Scotland which have been saturated by the recent weather. Flood alerts and warnings will remain in place in anticipation of further wet weather over the weekend. Some areas on the east coast may experience wave overtopping before the worst of the weather becomes confined to the extreme north of the country."

Amber "be prepared" weather warnings remain for central Scotland for the third day. Chief forecaster Nick Grahame said: "With more rain due this weekend, a number of severe weather warnings are in place for Scotland. It's important that people keep weather-aware by staying up to date with Met Office forecasts during this period of unsettled weather. We'd advise people in the areas affected to expect some disruption and take precautions if they are in an area at risk from heavy rain and flooding."

Drivers are being reminded to take care on the roads in the wet and windy conditions. The warning comes as two drivers were stopped for allegedly driving at around 100mph on the M8 during what police described as extremely poor conditions.

Ferry services to many of the north and western islands have been cancelled due to the weather. Loganair has scheduled an extra flight between Aberdeen and Shetland for tomorrow afternoon to help people travel to and from the mainland.