At 1100 today, (Tuesday 22nd October 2002), the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has 3 severe flood warnings, 14 Flood Warnings and 22 Flood Watches in force across Scotland.

Southern Scotland has been especially hard hit with the the Eye water, Jed water and Gala water on severe flood warning and further flooding a possibility in the Borders towns of Jedburgh, Hawick and Galashiels.

SEPA will remain in regular contact with emergency planning officials and emergency services personnel in affected areas to provide advice and information on river levels and potential flooding.

Current SEPA data suggests:

• The Borders area has seen 60-70 mm rain falling in a 24 hour period.
  
• Rain is easing and river levels along smaller Border’s rivers are beginning to drop but levels on the Tweed and Teviot rivers will continue to rise over the next 4-8 hours
  
• Early indications suggest that levels on the river Eye are the highest SEPA has recorded. The previous record was 2.3m in 1984. Current river levels are 3.2m.
  
• Early severe weather warning forecasts predict more rain overnight, with a possible further 50mm falling over the next 24 hours.
  

David Faichney, SEPA’s National Flood Warning Team Development Manager urged those living, working and travelling in flood risk areas to remain vigilant saying,

“SEPA hydrologists in the Borders, and throughout the rest of Scotland, are on 24 hour alert, monitoring river levels, weather forecasts and issuing flood alerts through Floodline on 0845 988 1188 and www.sepa.org.uk/flooding.

I would urge anyone worried about flood risk in their area to call Floodline for the latest updates or to speak to an operator for help and advice on how to cope with flooding.”

Notes:

In November 2001, The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), with financial assistance from the Scottish Executive, established Floodline – 0845 988 1188. Floodline gives information about potential flooding and advice on how to reduce the impact of floods when they do happen.

SEPA has hydrologists on flood warning duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Monitoring of weather forecasts, catchment conditions and river levels allow SEPA’s hydrologists to deliver flood warning to SEPA’s 42 Flood Warning Schemes. Through Floodline, SEPA also provides a Flood Watch service across Scotland, keeping the public, emergency services and local authorities informed of potential flooding.

Flood Watch means Flooding is possible, and the situation could worsen, so:

· Watch water levels
· Stay tuned to local radio or TV
· Make sure you have what you need to put your flood plan into action
· Reconsider travel plans
· Notify relevant departments/check resources
· Farmers - check livestock

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 warnings of flooding from the media, Police and Local Authorities. Since the introduction of Floodline, a set of standard codes has been in use throughout the UK.

These, easily recognisable codes – FLOOD WATCH, FLOOD WARNING, SEVERE FLOOD WARNING and ALL CLEAR - deliver clear information and practical advice so you know what action you should take on hearing them.

FLOOD WATCH is available for all of Scotland. FLOOD WARNING and SEVERE FLOOD WARNINGS are issued to those covered by the 42 existing flood warning schemes. Remember - they apply only to existing flood warning scheme areas! (Call Floodline 0845 988 1188 with your Postcode to find out the Floodline quickdial code for your area. www.sepa.org.uk/flooding)

ENDS