Skip to main content

22/12/14 12:01

Flooding Risk

Environment Minister urges vigilance in response to flooding.

As wintery weather conditions continue, Environment Minister Aileen McLeod is urging members of the public to remain alert to the threat of flooding.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) currently has 12 alerts and 34 warnings in place across Scotland. Agencies and emergency services continue to watch events closely and stand ready to respond, as and when required.

Dr McLeod said:

“We have seen some areas of very localised flooding in Scotland today as a result of persistent and heavy rain overnight.

“The Scottish Government is continuing to work with SEPA, local authorities and the emergency services to coordinate a multi-agency response and ensure that people and businesses are fully prepared for possible flooding.

“The situation is being monitored closely and we are grateful for the efforts of the emergency responders who evacuated shoppers from flash-flooding in Kilmarnock today.

“I would encourage everyone to monitor SEPA’s Floodline website for the latest flood information and to sign up to receive Floodline warnings direct to their phone.”

Notes to editors

For SEPA live flood updates see www.sepa.org.uk/floodupdates or call Floodline 0345 988 1188.

To sign up for free local Flood Warnings and regional Alerts, or for more information and advice on preparing for flooding, use SEPA’s Floodline site

www.floodlinescotland.org.uk or call Floodline 0345 988 1188

The full alerts, including the Chief Forecaster's Assessment and a map showing the areas included in the alerts, are available at http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings/

The Scottish Government’s Ready Scotland website provides the public with a range of advice and information on preparing for winter weather. Further information is available at www.readyscotland.org

Rail, ferries and air users should check with individual service operators’ websites

CalMac travellers should check the website: www.calmac.co.uk for the latest information. The latest information on that service can be found at www.argyllferries.co.uk

For real time journey information visit www.trafficscotland.org , follow @trafficscotland on Twitter or call 0800 028 14 14