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Severe flood warnings downgraded – but more rain is on the way

Canal Road in Port Elphinstone was once again hit by the floods.
Image: Chris Sumner/DC Thomson
Canal Road in Port Elphinstone was once again hit by the floods. Image: Chris Sumner/DC Thomson

Sepa has downgraded the risk of flooding across the north and north-east.

The environmental agency yesterday issued severe flood warnings for the first time in seven years, putting places like Ballater, Kintore, Kemnay, Inverurie and homes along the Dee in Aberdeen on high-alert.

They warned that water levels could be the same as – or even higher than – Storm Frank, which devastated communities in late 2015 and early 2016.

By this morning, the severe warning had been removed for Ballater, and has now been downgraded for Kintore, Kemnay and Inverurie.

Water levels peaked overnight, with emergency services working to clear roads and protect properties.

Homes in Aboyne were badly hit when the River Dee burst its banks. Picture: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson

However, there are still flood warnings in place for Marykirk, Kintore and Inverurie – and the Churchill Barriers in Orkney.

The Met Office has also issued a fresh yellow warning for rain, which comes into force at 3am today.

A number of roads were closed yesterday due to flooding with a number still not passable this morning.

Riverside Drive in Aberdeen has been closed due to rising levels of the River Dee, with the paths also cordoned off by police.

The A96 at Huntly, which was shut due to flooding near the bridge yesterday, reopened at 9am.

Wind and high waves batter the coast at Torry. Image: Kath Flannery/DC Thomson.

Significant flooding has been reported in the Aboyne, Kintore and Kemnay areas with water rising into the early hours.

Efforts have been made to pump water away from properties while flood defenses were also brought in.

Elsewhere, people have been evacuated from their homes – including 40 caravans in Ballater and Travellers staying at North Esk Park at St Cyrus.

Aberdeenshire Council has closed all its rest centres in Ballater, Aboyne, Inverurie and Kemnay.

North Esk Park at St Cyrus was evacuated last night after the River North Esk flooded the low-lands. Picture: Chris Sumner/DC Thomson

Public transport disruption ends

ScotRail’s services have now returned to normal.

Services between Aberdeen and Inverness are running as usual.

Earlier in the day, commuters were being braced for delays due to speed restrictions on the track.

All restrictions have since been removed.

 

Those planning to travel by bus are advised to check their journey in advance in case of any last-minute cancellations due to flooded roads.

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