‘Possible danger to life’: Flood warnings in place across north, north-east and islands

Stonehaven, Lossiemouth and Stornoway are some of the locations where flood warnings have been issued.

By Louise Glen

April 6 2024, 9:07 am

Flood gates at Stonehaven. Image: Kenny Elrick/DC Thomson.

Flood warnings are in place across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Highlands and parts of Argyll as Storm Kathleen batters the southern part of Scotland.

Heavy rain and rising tides are expected to wreak havoc along the coastline and into inland areas warns the Scottish Environmental Protection Area (Sepa).

It has issued both flood alerts and warnings across the north and north-east and islands.

Sepa warned residents across the area to remain vigilant and “remember, it is your responsibility to take actions which help protect yourself and your property”.

Warnings in Aberdeenshire and Moray

A flood alert has been issued for Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen, and parts of Moray.

The alert is for river and surface water flooding. Potential impacts include localised flooding to land and roads, disruption to travel and property flooding.

A flood warning is in place in Stonehaven with flooding from the sea expected to affect low-lying land, including the beachfront, Cowie Promenade and Boatie Row.

This could occur during high tide on Sunday which will next take place at 12.15pm.

Stonehaven seafront was a ‘no go’ area due to coastal flooding back in February. Image: Kath Flannery/DC Thomson.

Sepa has also warned of potential flooding along the Moray Firth between Findhorn and Lossiemouth.

Areas which could be impacted include Marina Quay, Seatown Road and Burghead Harbour.

A further flood warning has been issued for Spey Viaduct to Spey Bay with properties and roads in Kingston and Garmouth also at risk.

Seven warnings across Orkney

An alert for coastal flooding is in place in Orkney until further notice, with wave overflowing expected to impact some areas.

A total of seven warnings are also in place for Stromness, Burray and Ayre of Cara, the Churchill Barriers, St Margaret’s Hope, Longhope and Hoy, Sanday and Westray.

High waves on the Churchill barriers in Orkney — Churchill Barriers. Image: Supplied.

The highest risk is around the time of high tide which will be about 10am at the Churchill Barriers.

Sepa has advised residents in these locations to remain cautious throughout Sunday and Monday.

Flood alerts also remain in place for Argyl and Bute, Caitness and Suntherland, Easter Ross and Great Glen, Shetland, Skye and Lochaber and Wester Ross.