Flood warnings issued in two Moray towns were lifted yesterday as heavy rainfall eased off.
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency had warned that parts of Buckie and Keith were in danger of becoming swamped as rain engulfed the area and caused rivers to swell.
Residents were cautioned to be on their guard against rising waters, and ensure they protected their homes from harm in the event of worsening weather.
Yesterday though, the public in the east of Moray breathed a sigh of relief as Sepa removed the warning and advised that the region was no longer at risk of flooding.
The organisation said that, though some rivers remained high across Aberdeenshire yesterday, the overall picture was of an “improving situation”.
The organisation added that the waterways thought to be at risk of bursting their banks on Wednesday were able to cope with yesterday’s rainfall.
Despite the drier weather, Sepa maintained a warning about roads remaining subject to surface water across the day.
However, the Met Office has forecast that the improvement in conditions will prove only temporary – with relentless rainfall set to batter Moray throughout today.
Heavy downpours are expected across the area, affecting towns including Elgin, Lossiemouth, Forres and Buckie.
The coastal communities of Cullen, Portessie and Portgordon, which were included in Wednesday’s flood warning, are also forecast to take a drenching.
During the worst of Wednesday afternoon’s weather, a motorcyclist skidded off his bike in slippery conditions near Dufftown.
Emergency services were called to the road between Aberlour and Bluehill Quarry shortly before 2pm, where paramedics treated the injured rider.