The Met Office has upgraded a weather warning of more heavy rain for many parts of eastern Scotland, with an amber warning for Wednesday centring on Edinburgh with up to 50mm of rain possible. The Met Office said that there is still uncertainty about the exact areas which would be affected but localised flooding is likely.
The warning of further heavy rain comes just days after torrential rain caused flooding in many parts of the city including Stockbridge, Cramond and Warriston.
Environmental protection agency SEPA has issued an amber flood alert for Edinburgh and Lothians. In a statement on the organisation’s website, residents are warned:
‘Persistent rain is expected to affect the area from Tuesday through to Wednesday evening. River levels are expected to rise in response to this rain and may cause some flooding from rivers from later on Wednesday morning. There is particular concern for the East Lothian area.
SEPA duty officers will monitor the situation and update as further information becomes available.
Remain vigilant and remember, it is your responsibility to take actions which help protect yourself and your property. Advice and information is available through Floodline on 0845 9881188. This FLOOD ALERT is now in force until further notice and was sent by phone and sms free of charge to registered customers of our Floodline direct warning service. If you haven’t already signed up to receive free flood messages, please call Floodline on 0845 988 1188 or register online at sepa.org.uk/floodingsignup.’
Last month was the dullest and wettest June since records began over a century ago and, with wet weather forecast to continue, it’s already looking likely that July will follow June into the record books.
The scientific explanation for the worst summer on record is that the jet stream is further south than it should be at this time of year – over France and Spain, meaning Britain is under a blanket of low pressure on the northern side of it. That brings depressions, resulting in the record rainfall levels we’re currently experiencing.
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