A major search has been ongoing for more than 16 hours after a man became trapped in his car on a flooded road south of Marykirk.
The Aberdeenshire village was the first to receive a severe flood warning due to rising water levels from the North Esk.
Hundreds of residents were evacuated from Brechin as water crashed over the recently installed flood defences, swamping roads and homes.
Coastguard crews were called at about 3.15am this morning following reports of a person in trouble on a treacherous route a few miles north from the town.
The search was launched just hours after the body of a 57-year-old woman was recovered from the River South Esk in Glen Esk.
Helicopter crews were continuing to search the river at 9.30am with several passes being done between Marykirk and the coast.
Search and rescue operation in Marykirk area
A coastguard rescue helicopter is still in the air scanning the area as emergency teams remain at the scene.
Air crews have tracked the entire coastline between St Cyrus and Montrose and have followed the length of the North Esk from the sea to the village.
A coastguard spokeswoman confirmed the helicopter search in the Marykirk area was still ongoing.
She said: “We are assisting the police in a search south of Marykirk. We were made aware at 3.13am, a search helicopter is still in operation.”
A police spokeswoman said: “Around 3am today, police received a report of a man within a vehicle trapped in floodwater near Marykirk.
“Multi-agency searches are ongoing and the public are asked to avoid the area for their safety.”
More to follow.
Storm Babet continues to affect communities across Aberdeenshire and Angus. You can follow live updates HERE.Â