Flood warnings issued for parts of Scotland on New Year's Day

Flood warnings have been issued for parts of Scotland on New Year’s Day.

On Saturday, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) issued six red flood warnings for parts of Aberdeenshire, Moray, Highlands, Western Isles and Orkney.

The SEPA website stated: “A combination of high spring tides, storm surge and prevailing weather conditions means that flooding from the sea is expected to affect low lying areas.”

Areas affected include Spey Viaduct to Spey Bay in Moray, Stornoway and Eriskay Causeway in the Western Isles, Longhope and Hoy and Sanday in Orkney and Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire.

Amber flood alerts have also been issued for parts of Caithness and Sutherland, Shetland and Wester Ross.

⚠️ Yellow weather warning issued ⚠️

Strong #winds across the far northwest of Scotland
Today 1000 – 1700

Latest info 👉 https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs

Stay #WeatherAware⚠️ pic.twitter.com/DKZ86gVLYO
— Met Office (@metoffice) January 1, 2022

SEPA added that the risk of flooding was greatest during high tides and could impact roads and some properties.

Mark Franklin, Flood Duty Manager for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, said: “Strong winds combined with spring tides, surge and waves may lead to some flooding impacts from today, Saturday January 1, to Tuesday particularly across Western Isles, Orkney, Shetland and the north and north east coasts. Flooding impacts could include localised spray and wave overtopping affecting low lying land and roads.

“Regional Flood Alerts are in place and Local Flood Warnings will continue to be issued where necessary. People living and working in affected areas are advised to plan their essential journeys and consider the steps they need to take now to be prepared.

“SEPA is working 24/7 to monitor coastal conditions, rainfall and river levels and is in close contact with the Met Office and other partners to review the forecasts, which are combined with local expertise from all regions of Scotland to understand and present the flooding risk. The most up-to-date information is always available on our website.”

It comes as the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for strong winds on Saturday in the Western Isles and parts of Argyll and Bute.

Gusts of up to 75mph were expected in some areas, which may impact public transport including ferries.

High sided vehicles may face some delays on roads while short-term loss of power is also likely.