Risk of sewage flooding and roads close as heavy rain batters Scotland

Parts of Scotland are at risk of sewage flooding after a night of heavy rain.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has issued 13 flood alerts and a flood warning.

Additionally, South Ayrshire, Edinburgh and Aberdeen have been issued with warnings for flash flooding.

Scottish Water said due to some road drains being combined with sewage drains flooding could bring waste water onto streets.

Due to flash flooding caused by heavy rain, some of the road side drains aren't coping with the amount of water going into them. As some of the road drains are combined with our sewage drains, this may cause sewage flooding. Full advice here:- https://t.co/6BVNoSUJIB
— Scottish Water (@scottish_water) November 15, 2023

A spokesperson for the supplier said: “Due to flash flooding caused by heavy rainfall, some roadside drains in parts of the country did not cope with the amount of water going into them. As some of the road drains are combined with our sewage drains, this may have caused some sewage flooding.

“Sewer flooding can be caused when a drain or sewer becomes full due to heavy rainfall and overflows.

“Local authorities and highways agencies are responsible for highways drainage on the roads they maintain. But the complex nature of flooding across Scotland, with many agencies responsible for different aspects of the sewerage and drainage systems in communities, means that a partnership approach is vital for reducing the risk of flooding.

“Due to climate change, we are seeing how increasing periods of intense rainfall can overwhelm the sewer network. We recognise the need to look for new solutions to reduce this risk. We are working with communities, developers and other key stakeholders to ensure we plan for the removal of surface water from sewer systems at every opportunity.”

The weather has led to road closures across Scotland with the A90 restricted on Wednesday morning.

The A92 eastbound at the Ethiebeaton roundabout was also closed due to flooding.

Drivers have been urged to approach the A76 Sanqhar – Kirkconnel with care due to surface water.

It comes in the wake of Storm Debi which prompted a yellow weather warning for rain on Monday, sparking travel disruption.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) issued a flood warning for Whitesands in Dumfries.

A number of flood alerts are also in place on Wednesday in the following regions: