UK – Evacuations After Flooding in North East Scotland

Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) reported on 07 June that heavy rain overnight (06 to 07 June) led to some flooding in parts of north eastern Scotland. Public transport was also disrupted in areas further south, including Edinburgh.

Flooded rail tracks between Elgin and Keith, Scotland, June 2017. Photo: ScotRail

SEPA said, “Areas of Findhorn, Nairn, Moray and Speyside are the most affected by this and rain is expected to continue until after the morning commute with some impacts on travel.

“Flood warnings have been issued across the area. The lower Spey is particularly high, with potential localised flooding in Kingston and Garmouth. SEPA and Moray Council are monitoring the situation across the area.

“In areas where the rain has been heaviest we expect to see flooding impacts from smaller watercourses.

“Other areas affected are low lying agricultural areas in parts of the Scottish Borders and Tayside.”

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency said 11 flood warnings were in force, mostly in Moray and Aberdeenshire.

A team of around 20 from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service assisted members of the public at flooding incidents in the north of the country, including Halkirk, Portsoy and Banff. Several properties were evacuated and pumps were used to reduce levels of Loch Soy.

Local media said that businesses and homes were flooded in Portsoy and that four Aberdeenshire schools were also forced to close due to the adverse conditions.

Elsewhere in Scotland, rail services was badly affected by heavy rain and flooding, in particular between between Keith and Elgin.

https://twitter.com/ScotRail/status/872538928284356609

Tram services in the Edinburgh area were also disrupted as a result of flooding.

Rainfall and Strong Winds

The UK’s Met Office said that 65.2 mm of rain was recorded in Edinburgh in 24 hours to 06 June. Wick in Caithness, in the far north of Scotland recorded 38.2 mm of rain in 24 hours to 07 June.

The heavy rain was accompanied by strong winds. Near Gilmerton, Perthshire a driver died after his car was hit by a falling tree.