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SEPA Warns of Potential Flooding Across Scotland over the Weekend

21 December 2012 

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has warned today of further potential flooding to areas across Scotland over the weekend.

The heavy and prolonged rainfall experienced over the past few days is set to ease during Friday and overnight into Saturday, before a further band of persistent rain arrives in southern and eastern areas of Scotland on Saturday morning.

As a result, there is a risk of further river and surface water flooding in areas of Central, Fife, Tayside, Angus and Southern Aberdeenshire due to saturation following the recent heavy rainfall. River levels will rise again in these areas and this may be exacerbated by the melting of snow on higher ground.

Strong to gale force winds may also contribute to wave overtopping on exposed eastern coastlines and the Northern Isles where storm force winds are expected.

Early indications show that heavy rain and the risk of flooding will persist in places early on Sunday, before becoming more confined to the North and Northern Isles in the afternoon followed by generally drier weather moving into Monday.

Richard Brown, Head of Hydrology at SEPA, said:

"While we expect the rain and wind to ease on Friday, Flood Alerts and Warnings will remain in place in anticipation of further wet weather over the weekend. 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. 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.

"SEPA will continue to monitor the situation closely and work with local authorities and emergency services.  We would encourage people in the affected areas to remain vigilant and be mindful of the conditions in their locality and when travelling. Members of the public can access the latest flood updates for their area, and sign up to Floodline, our direct warning service, via our website www.sepa.org.uk, or by calling 0845 988 1188."

Nick Grahame, Chief Forecaster at the Met Office 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." 

Check www.sepa.org.uk for flooding alerts.

For real time journey information visit http://trafficscotland.org/ , follow @trafficscotland on Twitter, or call 0800 028 14 14.

For weather forecast information visit www.metoffice.gov.uk  or see here for their weather app www.metoffice.gov.uk/services/weather

Ends