As parts of central and southern Scotland begin to dry out after 48 hours of heavy rain, SEPA are urging those living, working or travelling in Grampian and Highland flood risk areas to keep in touch with Floodline – 0845 988 1188, www.sepa.org.uk/flooding – as a band of heavy rain continues through Scotland’s north eastern regions.

SEPA Hydrologists in this area, and throughout Scotland, 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 0830 today (23nd October 2002), there 0 severe flood warnings, 9 flood warnings and 29 flood watches in force across Scotland.

Highland and Grampian have seen over 80mm of rain in parts of the area over the past 36 hours, and river levels across the north east are generally very high. The rain has eased from the South, but is still affecting some parts of the area, particularly Moray. River levels on the Dee are beginning to fall, but the river peak was the 3rd highest in a 30 year record.

Gauging stations upstream on the Don recorded the highest levels in 33 years of record. The river is still rising further downstream.

The Ythan, Ugie and Deveron are peaking now and levels are close to if not the highest on record.

The Spey has a flood warning out on the lower part of the river and SEPA continue to monitor the situation.

The Lossie has a warning out on the river above Elgin and levels are continuing to rise at present.

Other Flood Watch alerts are in force covering a significant part of the North and East but the forecast suggests some improvement in the situation as the day progresses and the rain turns more showery.

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

“Floodline - 0845 988 1188 - provides up to the minute flood information and warnings and advice on how to cope with flooding. Please remain aware of the risk if you live, drive or work in areas prone to flooding and keep in touch with SEPA’s Floodline service.”

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.