Danger warning as Sepa issues 15 flood alerts – including for Moray area
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SEPA has warned people out and about near water or on the hills to be alert to danger after it issued 15 flood alerts.
A mix of heavy rain and thundery showers are expected across much of the country from today to Thursday.
Moray is likely to be among the worst affected areas, according to Sepa.
Other areas likely to be hardest hit are Easter Ross and the Great Glen, Tayside, Central, Edinburgh and Lothians and West Central Scotland.
David Faichney, Sepa's duty flooding manager said: "Due to the nature of thundery showers, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly where will be worst hit, but what we do know is that it can happen quickly and can be highly localised.
"It’s important that those out and about, holidaying, engaging in activities near rivers and streams or out hillwalking are aware of the hazards and stay safe.
"Some rivers and streams can rise to dangerous levels very quickly, so avoid camping near water and be very mindful of conditions if considering activities such as swimming or canoeing.
"Fifteen regional flood alerts have been issued, and people living and working in affected areas are advised to plan their journeys and consider the steps they need to take now to be prepared, including keeping flood protection products, like sandbags, in place in high-risk areas.
"Extreme weather such as prolonged heavy rain following a period of warm, dry weather is something we will see more of as our climate changes and these patterns become more common in the future.
"Sepa is working 24/7 to monitor rainfall and river levels and is in close contact with the Met Office and other partners to review the forecasts, which are combined with local expertise from all regions of Scotland to understand and present the flooding risk.
"We would encourage the public to remain vigilant, especially in isolated, low-lying agricultural areas susceptible to flooding."
All Sepa’s alerts and warnings are available at sepa.org.uk/floodupdates.
