Flooding situation – Tuesday 30 March – 13.30
High tides and storm surge conditions along the east coast of
Scotland are combining to produce very high coastal water levels.
These high levels, exacerbated by high flows in the River Esk, are
expected to cause significant flooding of property in some low
lying areas of Musselburgh.
Furthermore, heavy rain/snow has affected large parts of
Scotland, more especially the southern half of the country where 20
- 30mm of precipitation has fallen over the last 24 hours. 18 Flood
Watches and one Flood Warning are currently in force, covering
large parts of south and central Scotland. At the present time SEPA
has not received any reports of river flooding.
The main risk of flooding is to property in the Musselburgh area
adjacent to the River Esk, although other low lying areas along the
east coast of Scotland may be at some risk. SEPA has issued a
coastal Flood Watch for the east coast of Scotland from Peterhead
to Berwick
The risk of flooding is, primarily, as a result of high tidal
levels.
Outlook over the next 24-48 hrs
Further very high tides are expected over the next 24 - 48
hours, particularly along the east coast of Scotland. Current
forecasts indicate that some areas, particularly the south and east
of the country, will receive significant rainfall totals over the
next 24 hours. The Lothians, Fife and the Borders are likely to be
the worst affected with up to 50mm of precipitation falling over
the next 24 hours. In some areas, especially away from the east
coast, the precipitation will fall as snow, hence reducing the
potential runoff into rivers.
We expect the situation to slowly deteriorate through today
(Tuesday 30 March) with the potential for further flood warnings
being issued later today and overnight. The heavy rain/snow is
expected to ease later on Wednesday (31 March), but the outlook
remains unsettled with further periods of rain.
SEPA will continue to monitor the situation and update Floodline
(0845 988 1188) and at www.sepa.org.uk
as required.
Ends