Flooding situation – 20 November

EXT01 – B12

National picture

24 hour rainfall totals of up to 100mm have been recorded in parts of southern Scotland.

The rain has now cleared across most of Scotland and outlook for Friday is generally good with a few showers expected.

There is widespread disruption in south and central Scotland which relates primarily to road closures and rail disruption.

The Met Office have an advisory warning in place for western areas of Scotland for Saturday when we can expect further significant rainfall, giving perhaps another 25 to 40mm over Galloway and Argyll in the morning and spreading across Scotland as the day progresses. Strong winds are also expected.

The Borders

Flood risk remains high on the Rivers Tweed and the Yarrow Water. Flood warnings at Hawick and Selkirk have been downgraded with water levels falling.

Water levels in the River Nith have reached their peak but are only slowly falling. The situation will be monitored closely as rainfall expected for Saturday may cause additional flooding.

The Met Office observing site at Eskdalemuir (near the border of Dumfries & Galloway and Scottish Borders) had recorded 101mm for this flooding event to 0300 hrs.

Headwaters are dropping and flood peaks are transferring downstream to the lower Tweed. River levels are expected to remain high throughout Friday.

SEPA is liaising with the Environment Agency on impacts on the lower Tweed, and any effects from rainfall expected for Saturday.

Dumfries and Galloway

The average rainfall throughout the region has been 60 mm over last 24 hours.  Some areas have experienced more than 100mm of rain in this event.

The Whitesands car park area was flooded and there were reports of flooding of properties in Brewery Street and Dock Park.

Flooding was also predicted for properties on Brewery Street, Friars Vennel, Nith Street, Linden Grove and the wider Whitesands area. Reports have come in of flooding and evacuation of properties in the area. There have been reports of flooding in Auldgirth.

Water levels in the River Nith are slowly receding. Flooding issues will remain throughout Friday, with water levels remaining high. Any rainfall expected for Saturday may cause additional flooding. SEPA will continue to closely monitor the situation.

Lothian and Borders

River levels in Falkirk, Fife, West Lothian, Edinburgh and East Lothian are all continuing to fall steadily.

Strathclyde

The rainfall totals for the last 24 hours up to 05:00 are as follow:

Coulter Reservoir (57.6mm)

Garls Craig (88.4mm)

Rain has now cleared from most of the area with only a few scattered showers showing on the radar.

River levels in the River Kelvin and White Cart are now dropping and the risk of flooding has diminished.

The River Clyde remains running high. Peak water levels in the lower Clyde are expected for late afternoon on Friday 20 November.

A flood warning is in force for the middle Clyde around Rosebank.

Flooding at Popinjay Hotel and Nursery's car park < have been reported and the main A72 road is now closed.

Central Scotland

Flood Watches are in force for Falkirk and Stirling Rivers. There are reports that small watercourses and roads have flooded.

The River Teith remains a risk with water levels fairly steady. The severe flood warning has now been downgraded to flood warning as no further significant rainfall is expected during Friday. There is a potential for water being released from upstream reservoirs increasing downstream river flows. Reservoir operators are aware of the situation and SEPA continues to monitor river levels.

Fife

More than 40 mm rain has been recorded over last 24 hours in some parts of Fife.

Water levels in the River Devon have peaked around 1100 on Friday 20 November 2009.

Flood risk around Tillicoultry is no longer imminent.

A number of roads which traverse the Devon valley are closed due to flooding.

Water levels in all other rivers in Fife are now dropping

Tayside

Over 30 to 40mm of rain has fallen in the Tay Catchment throughout last 24 hours.

The River Earn at Bridge of Earn is expected to peak around mid-day.

The River Tay at Perth is expected to peak at 1500.

River levels in the upper catchment are slowly falling, flood warnings have been removed for the Almond, Tummel and Glen Lyon.

A severe flood warning for the Upper Isla from Ruthven Bridge, to the Lower Tay through Coupar Angus and Aberbothrie remains in place.

Flooding of roads could last during Friday with water levels expected to peak at 1300 on Friday.

Grampian

No problems being reported.

Highlands and Islands

Rain has ceased in the area and no flood warnings in force.

No problems being reported.

Live warnings and general flooding advice is available from SEPA through Floodline 0845 988 1188 and online at www.sepa.org.uk/flooding