Heavy rain has caused chaos for parts of the north-east today.
A yellow weather warning remains in place until the early hours of Thursday morning, stretching from Peterhead to the outskirts of Elgin.
Road closures
The A90 has been closed south of Peterhead for several hours due to flooding at Boddam.
The busy road has been closed in both directions between the Toll of Birness and the Invernettie roundabout (A950) since 2:30pm.
Traffic Scotland has advised road users to use the available signed diversion and expect longer than normal journey times.
The A90 has also been restricted in both directions at Peterhead since 1:37pm due to flooding.
Traffic Scotland has asked motorists to approach with care and expect delays.
Footage shared on social media by Peterhead Live has shown the chaos the flooding has caused in the north-east town.
One clip shows a Peterhead man sitting on a camping chair in Catto Drive with a fishing rod as cars drive past on the flooded road.
Video also shows drivers battling their way through rising water in the Blue Toon.
There has also been reports of heavy flooding outside of Elgin train station on the A941.
Road drainage systems ‘at capacity’ in Banff and Buchan
Aberdeenshire Council has warned of the capacity of road drainage systems in the Banff and Buchan area, saying they will “only clear when outfalls and sewers return to normal levels”.
Earlier this evening, the local authority issued a statement saying: “SEPA has issued an updated flood alert for Aberdeenshire with the potential for localised flooding impacts from rivers and surface water, particularly to low-lying land roads and properties.
“Difficult driving conditions and localised disruption to travel are expected – so please only head out onto the network if you’re journey is absolutely essential.
“With the north of Aberdeenshire in particular experiencing the forecast heavy rainfall throughout the remainder of today, we do have supplies of sandbags available at our Roads Depots should residents require them.
“But please note – local sandbag stocks may run out and cannot necessarily be replaced.
“While we have an obligation to maintain roads and undertake certain emergency responses in the event of flooding, this does not extend to private property – residents and businesses must take steps to protect their own property from flooding.”
M&S Aberdeen affected by flooding
M&S Aberdeen was forced to close the top two floors of its St Nicholas Street branch today due to ‘water damage’.
Sings have been posted on shop doors blaming “unforeseen circumstances.”
Balmoor match off
Aberdeen’s friendly with Peterhead on Wednesday night has been called off due to the wet weather.
The Balmoor clash was set to be new Dons boss Jimmy Thelin’s public debut as boss, but, with safety concerns about the roads around the Blue Toon’s stadium, will now be played at an alternative venue behind closed doors.
Train delays and cancellations
Several train services have been subject to delays and cancellations across the north and north-east.
Multiple services between Aberdeen, Inverurie and Montrose were cancelled throughout the day.
Scotrail informed earlier today that delays were expected in journeys between Aberdeen and Inverness, Inverness and Edinburgh and Aberdeen and Edinburgh.
The disruption is expected to last until 9am tomorrow, Thursday, July 11.
ScotRail’s website read: “Because of forecasted severe weather disruption is expected to last until 9am tomorrow.”
Bus diversions and delays
Due to the adverse weather conditions, Stagecoach earlier announced a number of diversions to their services.
The 81 service is not passing through Boddam as the road remains closed.
The X-63, X-60 and 61 services to Cruden Bay, Ellon, Newburgh and Balmedie Services are diverting via Mintlaw.
In Elgin, the 33 services to Pinefield and back are diverting via The Wards.
Stagecoach have said on social media that bus delays are ‘inevitable’.
Weather warnings in place
A yellow weather warning remains in place for a stretch of the north-east coast, lasting until 4am tomorrow, Thursday.
The Met Office warns that rain will become “heavy and slow moving leading to impacts on travel and infrastructure.”
Sepa reported that there would be “persistent and heavy rain” across the north and north-east. Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Inverness and large parts of the Highlands are on alert.
“Further heavy rain is forecast in the North East and southern parts of Scotland throughout Wednesday and early Thursday, with the heaviest showers expected across Aberdeenshire and Moray,” Sepa warns on its website.
“Regional Flood Alerts remain in place due to a risk of flooding from surface water and rivers.
“Impacts in affected areas may include flooding of low-lying land and roads, disruption to travel and isolated property flooding.”
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