As the festive season kicks off, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) are encouraging people to sign up for free flood Alerts and Warnings to help ensure community safety and smooth travel.
Whether you’re driving home for Christmas or planning festive outings during the holidays, SEPA’s free Floodline messaging service provides current information and advice about flooding in Scotland so you can prepare for any travel disruption or local impacts.
As Scotland’s national flood forecasting and warning authority, SEPA work with the Met Office to monitor river, coastal and rainfall sites across the country 24/7. When flooding impacts are forecast, we issue regional Alerts, local Warnings or, in worst case scenarios local Severe Warnings, via phone call or text.
Michael Cranston, Lead Specialist in Flood Forecasting and Warning at SEPA, said: “Being prepared for severe weather events is essential, especially at this time of year when people are clocking off from their usual schedules and travelling to see loved ones.
“Don’t let the weather put a dampener on celebrations. By signing up to our Floodline service, you can prepare for adverse driving conditions and plan your journey in advance.
“We are committed to continuing to keep communities informed and as safe as possible, and we urge those who aren’t signed up to Floodline yet to take action now.”
In October alone, more than 200 messages were issued to communities across Scotland experiencing flooding following intense rainfall during Storm Babet.
SEPA are continuing to expand the national flood warning service network and have recently added six local Flood Warning areas along the River Carron near Falkirk.
Sign up to Floodline free of charge online to receive messages directly to your phone, letting you know when the area where you live, work or travel through is at risk of flooding.
Follow @SEPAFlood on X, formerly Twitter, for the latest updates including our three-day Scottish Flood Forecast or visit our website for a view of all the latest Flood Updates and further information looking ahead so you can see what conditions to expect.