As further heavy rain is forecast over Scotland, tonight, SEPA is urging those at risk from flooding to remain vigilant and use Floodline – 0845 988 1188/ www.sepa.org.uk/flooding - for up to the minute flood information and alerts.

The general weather outlook from the Met Office suggests rainfall will gradually ease this evening in southern parts of Scotland but continue north east into Tayside, Grampian and the Moray coast, with a possible 60-70mm of rain falling in these areas. Localised flooding problems could occur.

SEPA Hydrologists will continue 24 hour monitoring of river levels, weather forecasts and local reports providing local authorities, emergency services and Floodline with the most up to date flood warning information.

At 1730 today (22nd October 2002), there are 2 severe flood warnings, 13 flood warnings and 27 flood watches in force across Scotland.

David Faichney, SEPA’s National Flood Warning Development Team Manager said,

“The heavy and prolonged rainfall over the last 48 hours resulted in much of the country suffering severe localised flooding, with Edinburgh and the Borders particularly badly hit. More wet weather is forecast over the next 24 hours and heavy rain falling on ground already saturated may well lead to further flooding problems. SEPA would encourage people to keep an eye on rivers & burns near them if they experience heavy local rainfall and take advantage of the advance warning and advice available through Floodline on 0845 988 1188 and www.sepa.org.uk/flooding.”

General Update

• South West Scotland
  
  

General

River levels dropping
Rainfall easing
No particular problems anticipated this evening


Glasgow Area

White Cart Water rising very slowly. SEPA hydrologists continue to monitor the situation.

• Edinburgh & Lothians
  

The Braid Burn & Water of Leith river levels are rising. SEPA is continuing to monitor the situation.

The Tyne at Haddington peaked at 1200 (22/10) and the level is now gradually decreasing.

The lower reaches of the Esk at Musselburgh are giving cause for concern until the high tide anticipated at 1615 has passed. SEPA are attending the E Lothian Flood group, who are meeting every 2 hours until the flood risk has passed

• Grampian
  
  

All rivers in Grampian are slowly rising. Flood Watches are in force in this area.

SEPA officers continue to monitor the situation in light of the weather forecast for the next 24 hours

• Highland
  
  

River levels are rising slowly but giving no cause for concern at the moment. SEPA officers continue to monitor the situation.

• Borders
  
  

60-70mm of rain has fallen in the last 24 hours. Widespread flooding has occurred across the Tweed catchment.. Almost every road in the Borders is flooded, and many are impassable.

Tweed tributaries levels are generally falling, however the main river will continue to rise as the flood peak passes down the Tweed over the next 12 hours.

There is widespread flooding of properties in; Innerleithen, Stow, Earlston, Greenlaw, Lindean, and Broad Meadows near Selkirk.

Some people have been evacuated from houses and stranded cars.

Particularly bad flooding has occurred in Eyemouth, several businesses in the town center and Harbour road area have been flooded.

Concern exists until the high tide at 1600 has passed.


ENDS

Notes:

Areas within specific flood warning schemes

In certain parts of the country where serious flooding has been experienced in the past, a number of local flood warning schemes are operated by SEPA in partnership with local authorities and the police. There are 42 such schemes and more detailed flood prediction alerts are available for these areas. People within existing flood warning schemes will receive direct warnings of flooding from the media, Police and Local Authorities. from the Police. Since the introduction of Floodline, a set of easily recognisable codes – FLOOD WATCH, FLOOD WARNING, SEVERE FLOOD WARNING and ALL CLEAR – has been in use across the UK.