This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-25582344

The article has changed 12 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 9 Version 10
Scotland weather: Tidal surge flood problems mount Scotland weather: Tidal surge flood problems mount
(about 2 hours later)
A tidal surge combined with severe gale force winds is leading to flooding problems in coastal areas of western and southern Scotland. A tidal surge combined with severe gale force winds has caused flooding problems in coastal areas of western and southern Scotland.
The Met Office said heavy rain falling on already-saturated ground could also lead to localised inland flooding. Huge waves have been crashing over the lighthouse at Ardrossan, where the coastguard described conditions as "horrendous".
It has issued yellow "be aware" warnings of rain and high wind for all areas of Scotland apart from Grampian and the Northern Isles. Homes were flooded in numerous towns and villages along the coastline.
Environment agency Sepa has almost 40 flood warnings in place. A Met Office warning of rain and wind covered much of Scotland for most of the day.
The Met Office weather warning, which is in place for all of Friday, said: "Another spell of unsettled weather is expected with further wet and windy conditions likely across western areas in particular. It issued yellow "be aware" warnings of rain and high wind for all areas of Scotland apart from Grampian and the Northern Isles.
"Tides will be very high, and the public should be aware of the risks of large waves and coastal flooding." Environment agency Sepa had almost 40 flood warnings in place.
It also warned the public to be aware of the risk of localised watercourse or surface water flooding. The south west of Scotland was one of the worst-hit areas, having suffered similar problems earlier in the week.
The agency added: "A developing Atlantic low pressure system is expected to move north eastwards just to the west of Scotland on Friday. Dumfries and Galloway Council said numerous properties had been flooded along its coastline.
"This will push further bands of locally heavy rain across the area with more than 20mm quite widely. Given existing levels of saturation, this is likely to lead to some flooding." It said homes in the Isle of Whithorn, Portpatrick, Garlieston, Kirkcudbright, Annan, Carsethorn, Powfoot and Port William had been affected.
Huge waves have been crashing over the lighthouse at Ardrossan, where the coastguard has described conditions as "horrendous". Three families had to be evacuated from the Queensberry Bay Caravan Park in Powfoot.
Head teachers at Dumfries and Galloway schools have been asked to make the authority aware of any issues which might prevent them from reopening after the Christmas break on Monday.
In Edinburgh, high winds forced the closure of Edinburgh Castle and West Princes Street Gardens, and masonry from a chimney stack fell from a building in Marshall Street. No-one was hurt.In Edinburgh, high winds forced the closure of Edinburgh Castle and West Princes Street Gardens, and masonry from a chimney stack fell from a building in Marshall Street. No-one was hurt.
People in Helensburgh said they were experiencing the worst conditions in many years, with the esplanade flooded and closed at various points.People in Helensburgh said they were experiencing the worst conditions in many years, with the esplanade flooded and closed at various points.
Police Scotland have warned that water levels at Fort William at 19:00 will be much higher than usual.Police Scotland have warned that water levels at Fort William at 19:00 will be much higher than usual.
Strong south westerly winds will result in large waves, with a risk of flooding at exposed coastal areas.Strong south westerly winds will result in large waves, with a risk of flooding at exposed coastal areas.
They said the impact could be "severe". Environment Minister Paul Wheelhouse urged members of the public to remain vigilant to the threat of flooding.
P&O Ferries have suspended all of its ferries from Cairnryan in Dumfries and Galloway to Larne in Northern Ireland until further notice. He visited the Police Scotland Communications Centre in Govan to see activity in response to the severe weather.
Strong winds also saw the A75 in the region closed after a lorry left the road near Carrutherstown. He said: "Preparedness for flooding events such as those experienced by Scottish communities in the past week is key.
A flood alert has been issued for the Whitesands in Dumfries which saw the River Nith overflow at around midday. "I have seen from Police Scotland cameras that emergency responders are working extremely hard in locations around the country to provide a co-ordinated response to these difficult conditions.
However, police said it was not anticipated it would reach the same levels as on 30 December. "I'd like to pay tribute to the dedicated efforts of all the agencies involved in tackling flooding."
A "severe risk" of flooding along the entire Dumfries and Galloway coastline was forecast with peak times forecast between 12:40 at Portpatrick through to 13:20 at Annan. He said councils and the emergency services were "ready to react swiftly to minimise the impact of flooding".
The Kelton to Glencaple road was completely flooded and blocked.and the roadway near Kingholm Quay also blocked. "Keeping up-to-date with the latest information is crucial to communities vulnerable to flooding," he said.
The Scottish government said the tidal surge was expected at lunchtime on Friday, particularly around the Firth of Clyde, Solway Firth and Ayrshire. "I'd encourage everyone to regularly check with the Sepa Floodline website for updates and warnings.
Environment and Climate Change Minister Paul Wheelhouse urged people to remain vigilant to the latest weather and flooding warnings for Scotland. "Users can also sign up to receive Floodline warnings directly to their mobile phone."
He said: "Sepa and the Met Office continue to monitor the impact that the forecast heavy rain and high tides and a tidal surge could have in some coastal areas tomorrow (Friday). People who need to travel are being encouraged to plan their journey carefully and take heed of any advice.
"While local responders are being kept informed, to make appropriate preparations, I urge people in areas surrounding the Firth of Clyde, Solway Firth and the Ayrshire coast to listen to local radio and to check the news and weather online so that they can remain vigilant to any weather disruption. Transport Minister Keith Brown said: "Today's conditions are leading to some isolated incidents on the network and Transport Scotland is monitoring the situation from our traffic control centre.
"Those living in areas affected by recent flooding in locations such as Ayrshire, Dumfries and Galloway, Scottish Borders and Tayside should be aware that saturated river catchments may react more quickly than normal to the rain we anticipate throughout Friday, with up to 50mm predicted on higher ground, but less at lower levels. "The flood gates on the A78 at Skelmorlie were closed by Police Scotland earlier this morning and the route will not reopen until this afternoon after the high tide.
"Sepa's Floodline website is a very useful resource for the latest alerts and warnings, as a dynamic weather situation develops. Users can sign up to receive Floodline warnings direct to their mobile phone. This will help everyone to take appropriate and timely action to protect their homes and business premises." "The trunk road operating companies are patrolling the vulnerable locations on the coast and are working with local authority counterparts to mitigate the impacts and provide alternative diversion routes where appropriate."
He also asked people to check up on friends or neighbours, especially those who are elderly or vulnerable, to ensure that no-one is caught out if weather conditions deteriorate significantly. He said the advice was, "as always", to prepare in advance for any travel.
Mr Wheelhouse added: "For people who are returning to work - it makes sense to allow extra time for their journeys. If you're planning to use a ferry, particularly on the west coast, make sure you check on sailings in advance as these have the potential to be delayed or cancelled.
"Rail services also have potential for disruption in exposed coastal locations."
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.
Read the terms and conditionsRead the terms and conditions