Tag: SEPA

Wet winter doesn’t negate need for water scarcity plans

Nobody will be surprised to hear that Scotland experienced a very wet autumn and winter – but abstractors are being reminded they still need to plan ahead in case conditions change.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have published the first Water Situation Report of 2024, providing information on water stores in the ground, lochs and reservoirs.

Weather conditions over autumn and winter have a major influence on water resources and the risk of water scarcity in the following summer.

As reported last month, SEPA issued a record number of regional Flood Alerts and local Flood Warnings to the public this winter.

A total of 720 messages were sent between 1st September 2023 and 16th February 2024. The previous record of 714 was set over autumn and winter 2015/16.

Areas along the east coast of Scotland saw higher than average rainfall throughout autumn and winter, with some parts seeing 170% of the winter average.

Elsewhere rainfall totals have been within the normal range, and natural water storage in lochs and groundwater is between normal and high for this time of year.

However, if the country experiences particularly dry weather over spring and summer it could still lead to water scarcity.

Water users are urged to keep an eye on the situation and plan ahead to manage water supplies sustainably.

Stephen McGuire, Senior Hydrology Specialist at SEPA, said:“It would be easy to look at the amount of rain Scotland has seen over the last few months and think that water scarcity isn’t an issue.

“The risk is currently lower than normal as a result, but the reality is we can’t rule out a repeat of the water shortages businesses have experienced in previous years – if we have drier than average conditions over the next few months things can change quite quickly. 

“Water abstractors licensed by SEPA need to make sure they are prepared to deal with water scarcity, so I would encourage them to consider how to improve their business resilience and manage water wisely during prolonged dry conditions. We can help by providing advice and guidance on ways to reduce pressure on the water environment. 

“Taking the right steps now will lower the likelihood of resources reaching a critical level again this summer and SEPA having to suspend licences to protect the water environment.”

Scotland’s Changing Climate

Scotland’s climate is changing and businesses are experiencing the impacts of more frequent extreme weather events like water scarcity.

The number of serious drought events is projected to increase from an average of one every 20 years, to one every two years in the near future.

In 2023 the first area reached Alert level at the end of May, and five areas (Rivers Annan and Nith in the southwest, the Black Isle, the Outer Hebrides and the Loch Maree area of the Highlands) had reached significant water scarcity by the end of June.

Significant impacts from water scarcity were apparent during 2022, particularly in the east of the country. Groundwater levels in the region were their lowest since records began in 2009 and there was below average rainfall in eight out of the twelve months.

SEPA had to take steps to protect the environment from the effects of prolonged dry weather and suspensions were imposed on 175 water abstraction licences in four catchment areas.

From May, SEPA will publish a weekly Water Situation Report looking at the latest conditions across Scotland.

Entries open for VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards

Scottish businesses championing sustainability are in the spotlight as entries open for the 2024 VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards.

Now in their 25th year, the VIBES awards encourage businesses to show vision and leadership in tackling climate change and other environmental challenges. They also aim to enhance environmental performance and showcase those supporting the wider social and economic benefits of sustainability.

The opening of the competition was marked at the Scottish Parliament last night (Wednesday 28th February 2024), where the outstanding achievements of last year’s winners were applauded by attendees including industry leaders and MSPs. An address was also given by Mairi McAllan, Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Net Zero, and Energy. 

Previous winners showcased included ReBlade, a Glasgow and Dumfries based company demonstrating how turbine blades can be dealt with responsibly. Through research and evidence, ReBlade prove that wind energy generation waste can be repurposed, confirming economic viability in decommissioning windfarms sustainably.

Fiona Lindsay, Managing Director at ReBlade said: “Businesses and organisations are increasingly being asked to demonstrate positive environmental impact, and rightly so.

“The way we do business has a huge impact on the world around us, and it makes good business sense to interrogate processes and operations to minimise environmental and climate impacts. For ReBlade taking part in the VIBES awards has been a wholly positive experience and I’d definitely encourage other businesses to consider applying.”

The VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards are a partnership between multiple organisations including the SEPA, the Scottish Government, Energy Saving Trust, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise, NatureScot, Scottish Water, and Zero Waste Scotland. VIBES is also supported by CBI Scotland, the Institute of Directors, the Federation of Small Businesses, Scotch Whisky Association, Bright Green Business and Prosper.

Nicole Paterson, Chief Executive of SEPA, added: “As Scotland’s principal environmental regulator, we innovate, collaborate and drive collective action to help build a stronger, fairer and more sustainable nation.

“It is truly inspiring to see the achievements of these businesses towards a sustainable future. Their commitment is not only commendable but serves as a beacon for others in the business community to embrace environmentally responsible and innovative practices.

“We know there are many more businesses on the frontline of the net zero transition, continually demonstrating their unwavering commitment. The VIBES awards prove their efforts matter, and I would strongly urge as many of them as possible to enter this year and receive the recognition they deserve.”

Categories open for entries this year include the Vision in Business Scotland Award for companies that clearly set out their strategy, policies, and systems that enable continuous sustainability improvements and contribute to Scotland’s net zero carbon ambition.

Judging will take place over the summer, with a shortlist confirmed in September and the winners revealed at a ceremony in November. 

SEPA: Restoring our rivers is delivering real benefits for Scotland

Work commissioned by Scotland’s environment regulator to restore river habitats has opened up the equivalent of a trip from Edinburgh to Glasgow to Scottish salmon and trout populations in the last year.

The successful removals of Garlogie Dam on the River Dee and Crossmill Weir on the Levern Water, have ensured that 69 kilometres (just under 43 miles) of the rivers are now passable to migratory fish, allowing access to spawning habitats for the first time in more than 100 years.

Both projects were commissioned by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) with funding support from the Water Environment Fund (WEF), which is provided by Scottish Government and administered by SEPA. Funding is targeted on projects which will derive the greatest benefit to Scotland’s rivers and neighbouring communities.

Delivering successful river restoration is crucial to the ecological and environmental well-being of Scotland, a nation famous for our rivers and lochs. As we deal with the challenges of climate adaptation and the impact of our history as an industrial nation on the watery veins and arteries of our country, the significance of successful projects to revitalise essential ecosystems cannot be overstated.

Garlogie Dam and Crossmill Weir, plus the many other river restoration projects that WEF has made possible over the years, have brought together charities, local environment groups, river trusts, local authorities, government bodies and local communities to allow real world improvements to rivers that bring benefits far beyond what people might initially think.

River restoration enhances water quality by reducing pollution and promotes a healthier ecosystem. It also helps mitigate the impact of floods, as restored rivers can better absorb and manage excess water, protecting surrounding areas.

These projects can also contribute to improved recreational opportunities, regenerating important green spaces that allow people to recharge and improve their overall well-being – often acting as meeting points for communities to gather for recreational activities, exercise, or simply to enjoy nature.

Nathan Critchlow-Watton, SEPA Head of Water and Planning, said: “In the face of the daunting challenges faced by the climate crisis and biodiversity loss, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed sometimes. But the work carried out through the Water Environment Fund is demonstrating real improvements for our environment, our communities and our country.

“As Scotland embraces the challenges of the 21st century, the importance of river restoration cannot be overstated. Garlogie Dam and Crossmill Weir are just two excellent examples of projects that merge sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and the preservation of Scotland’s natural heritage – bringing benefits for our fish populations, our communities and our economy.

“At SEPA we’ll continue to work in partnership with landowners, local authorities and other organisations across the country to identify further opportunities for projects just like these. This work is delivering for Scotland through attractive and accessible river corridors that provide real climate adaptation benefits by enhancing our water environment’s ability to manage the effects of climate change – such as reducing peak flows, increasing habitat diversity and reducing temperatures by providing shade.”

Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Net Zero and Energy Màiri McAllan said: “The many projects carried out through the Water Environment Fund in collaboration with Local Authorities, river trusts, catchment partnerships and other stakeholders are breathing life back into our rivers. This work benefits our environment, our wildlife – like our iconic wild salmon – and our people and communities.

“The Water Environment Fund enables projects to both restore access to rivers for migratory fish and in urban river restoration, delivering benefits for biodiversity, climate change adaptation, green space provision, public access and flood management.”

Craig Macadam, Conservation Director at Buglife and the Convener of LINK’s Freshwater Group has provided the following: “Scotland is renowned for its freshwaters.

“They are home to iconic species such as Atlantic Salmon and Freshwater Pearl Mussels, provide drinking water, are used to generate electricity, support game fisheries, and are essential for the production of food and drinks, such as whisky.

Barrier removal is an important step in restoring free-flowing rivers in Scotland. The removal of Garlogie Dam and Crossmill Weir will not only benefit migratory fish such as salmon and sea trout, but will also restore natural flow processes, benefitting a wide range of plant and invertebrate species, and helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change in our rivers.”

The 69-kilometre achievement is highlighted inin SEPA’s quarterly Performance Report, which tracks how the agency is progressing against its corporate targets. 

The latest report summarises progress, with SEPA on track to achieve seven of the nine measures from last year’s Annual Operating Plan.

SEPA issue record number of Flood Alerts and Warnings this winter

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have issued a record number of regional Flood Alerts and local Flood Warnings to the public this winter.

A total of 720 messages have been sent since 1st September 2023, the highest number since SEPA introduced its Floodline service in March 2011. The previous record of 714 was set over autumn and winter 2015/16.

Following a year of storms and flooding events, and with winter weather continuing, SEPA are urging as many people as possible to sign up to receive their free Flood Alerts and Warnings.

SEPA are Scotland’s national flood forecasting and warning authority. Advance notice of flooding is provided using forecast weather information from the Met Office in combination with SEPA’s own rainfall and river level observations, and advanced hydrological modelling.

When flooding impacts are forecast, regional Alerts, local Warnings or, in worst case scenarios local Severe Warnings, are issued to those signed up to receive them via phone call or text.

Pascal Lardet, Flood Warning Unit Manager at SEPA, said: “This year, Scotland has witnessed several extreme weather events.

“In October, two consecutive periods of intense and prolonged rainfall between the 6th and 9th of October and then Storm Babet between the 18th and 23rd of October.

“These events resulted in severe impacts, with extensive flooding of communities, multiple properties evacuations and impacts on infrastructures, particularly the overtopping of Brechin flood defences.

“Unsettled weather continued from November to February, with a record number of named storms affecting the whole country. The latest stormy period was only last week with significant coastal wave overtopping due to high spring tides combined with a surge, affecting the Solway Firth and the East coast in particular.

“These events should be a wake-up call of things to come due to climate change here in Scotland. Flooding remains a growing threat to our communities, which is why it is vital that those who aren’t signed up to our free Floodline service should take action now and not wait until the next storm hits.

“Receiving our messages allows communities and businesses more time to prepare and act to reduce the risk of damage and disruption. This may involve deploying flood protection products, moving vehicles from at risk areas and changing travel plans.”

SEPA are continuing to expand and improve Scotland’s flood warning service network and have recently added six local Flood Warning areas along the River Carron near Falkirk.

Approximately 1,500 properties are at risk of flooding in these areas, which were identified in Scotland’s Flood Risk Management Plans as a priority.

Members of the public and businesses can 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 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.

Disruption due to flooding possible over the next three days

Mark Franklin, Flood Duty Manager for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), said: “Persistent rain, heavy at times, is forecast in western Scotland on Sunday, becoming widespread on Monday.

“Flooding from surface water is possible on Sunday evening into Monday. River levels are also expected to be high overnight on Sunday into Monday and Tuesday, particularly around Speyside and Great Glen.

“We could see rivers reach the same heights as Storm Isha last month, but possibly higher in some locations. Travel disruption is possible, as well as flooding to land and properties.

“We have issued Regional Flood Alerts and continue to work with the Met Office to monitor the situation 24/7, updating Alerts and Local Flood Warnings as necessary.

“People living, working and travelling in affected areas are advised to consider any steps they need to take now to be prepared and stay safe, and to take extra care if they need to travel.

“We advise people to sign up to Floodline to receive free updates for where they live, or travel through, directly to their phone. People can also check our flood updates for all the latest information and view the three-day Scottish Flood Forecast to see what conditions are expected further ahead.” 

Be prepared

  • Check the Scottish Flood Forecast - developed in partnership with the Met Office, it provides the earliest indication possible of when and where flooding is expected over the next three days, and whether the source is from rivers, surface water or the sea.
  • Sign up to Floodline and receive free flood messages letting you know when the area where you live, work or travel through is at risk of flooding.  
  • Create a flood plan which includes knowing how to shut off your gas, water and electricity supplies. 
  • Consider installing flood protection at your home.

Stay safe

  • Follow the advice of emergency responders.
  • Don’t walk through flood water – 15cm of fast flowing water could be enough to knock you off your feet and hazards can be hidden under the water.  
  • Drive with care, and do not travel through deep fast flowing water. It only takes 30cm of fast flowing water to move an average family sized car.
  • If you’re walking beside rivers be extra careful of wet footpaths and small watercourses. 
  • Stay away from flooded promenades and crashing waves around the coast.
  • Consider deploying flooding protection products if required.

Stay informed

Follow @SEPAFlood on X for the latest flooding information. 

  Check the Regional Flood Alerts and Local Flood Warnings for your area.

Check your transport routes and check road conditions.

Check Ready Scotland for advice on preparing for severe weather.

Difference between Alert and Warning

  • We use forecast weather information provided by the Met Office combined with our own observation of rainfall and river levels and advanced hydrological modelling to provide advance warning of flooding.    
  • Regional Flood Alerts are early advice that flooding is possible across a wider geographical area. The purpose of the Alerts is to make people aware of the risk of flooding and be prepared. We normally issue them 12 to 24 hours in advance of the possibility of flooding.  
  • Flood Warnings are more locally specific and are issued for areas where we have gauges on rivers to measure the exact river height. They are issued at shorter notice when we are more certain that a specific area will be affected.

SEPA serves £85,700 of civil penalties during 2023

Civil penalties totalling £85,700 have been served by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) in 2023 for breaches of environmental regulation.

They include 13 Fixed Monetary Penalties of either £300 or £600 for offences such as burning waste, breaches of water use licences, discharges of sewage effluent and failing to provide SEPA with copies of documents requested in a notice.

Also served this year were a £3,500 Variable Monetary Penalty for waste offences, and a £75,000 fine under F-gas regulations.

Jennifer Shearer, Head of Enforcement at SEPA, said: “Civil penalties are a vital part of our enforcement toolkit, providing a deterrence to those who choose to ignore Scotland’s environmental regulations. Enforcement action is a key part of our job as a regulator, ensuring we disrupt and take action against those who harm the environment, communities and legitimate businesses.

“We have a range of enforcement tools available to us depending on the scale and impact of offending including disruption activities, partnership activity with other regulators and authorities, final warning letters, statutory notices, licence suspensions, fixed and variable monetary penalties and reports to Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) We’re committed to being proportionate, consistent, accountable and transparent in our enforcement outcomes.”

Civil penalties

Civil penalties sit alongside other enforcement tools available to SEPA to use when appropriate in relation to environmental offending.

Details on all the FMPs and the VMP listed below are available on SEPA’s website at Penalties imposed and undertakings accepted | Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)

Fixed Monetary Penalties (FMPs)

SEPA can issue FMPs for a specified offence – they are not available for all offences. FMPs are normally appropriate where an offence has not caused environmental harm or has caused minimal environmental harm with no lasting environmental effects or impacts on communities, for administrative offences and where little (if any) financial benefit arises from the offence.

FMPs in 2023:

Six for disposing of controlled waste by burning, £600 each:

George Steel Contract Services Limited, Falkirk

Stella’s Voice, Cranfield

Ian Robert Munro, Alness

The Good House Company Scotland Limited, Kinross

Bradley Morgan, Kinross

The Firm of D & J Thomson, Aberfeldy

Two for breach of a water use licence relating to discharges of surface water from a construction site, £600 each:

Bellway Homes Limited, Newcastle Upon Tyne

Tough Construction Limited, Glasgow

Two for a discharge of sewage effluent to the water environment, £600 each:

Sands Caravan and Camping Limited, Wester Ross

Robert Main Ellen, Muir of Ord

One in each category as follows £300 each:

Anthony Barclay, Musselburgh – transporting controlled waste in the course of business, or otherwise with a view to profit, without a waste carrier licence.

GMR Henderson Builders Ltd, Wick – failure to complete waste transfer notes adequately.

Barry Bain, Inverness – failure to attend a compelled interview.

Variable Monetary Penalties (VMPs)

VMPs are discretionary financial penalties which SEPA can impose for a relevant offence following an appropriate investigation.

James Roberts Marshall, Perth £3,500 for allowing controlled waste to be disposed of by burial when no waste management licence was in place authorising the activity. He was also required to pay SEPA costs of £1,050.  

Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases Regulations 2015 (the F-Gas regulations 2015)
The F-gas regulations aim to reduce the use of HFC refrigerants, through better control of their containment in existing applications and their recovery for recycling or destruction.

DSM Nutritional Products (UK) Limited, Dalry £75,000 for failing to provide a leakage detection system on equipment containing powerful greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to climate change.

Storm Gerrit: Still some disruption but the worst is over

A meeting of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGoRR) – chaired by Justice Secretary and Minister for Resilience Angela Constance and attended by a number of Ministers – was held last night to ensure appropriate measures are in place to deal with the impacts of Storm Gerrit.

Met Office yellow warnings for rain, wind and snow were live until midnight across much of Scotland last night and a warning for wind and snow remained in place across Shetland until 06:00am today (Thursday 28 December).

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have also issued a number of flood alerts and warnings across the country.

Some train services and ferry services were cancelled and a major incident was declared by Police Scotland on the A9 at Dalnaspidal, which is now fully reopened between Inverness and Perth.

Winter weather response plans are in full effect with teams working hard across the transport network to restore services and routes as far as possible – with improvements in weather conditions anticipated today.

The storm has also left some homes across Scotland without power and Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) are working to restore power where it is safe to do so.

Ms Constance said: “Following a combination of rain, wind and snow across the country, I have chaired a meeting of SGoRR to ensure that we’re acting as quickly and safely as possible to mitigate the impacts of Storm Gerrit.

“We know that there are areas across the country where people are without power and SSEN are working to restore this where they can. Due to the strong winds, flooding and snow, it is not always safe for SSEN to access areas for repair. Local resilience partnerships are working to put in place welfare support for individuals who may be without power overnight.

“There have already been a number of disruptions across the transport network. It’s good to see that the incident on the A9 has been cleared and the road has now reopened but people should pass with care.

“Some roads remain closed with operatives working to reopen them as quickly as possible.

“Some railway lines will remain closed tomorrow (Thursday) morning as they require safety inspections within daylight hours. People should be mindful that there will still be areas where surface water continues to cause disruption – so we would urge everyone to plan their journeys in advance, exercise caution on the roads by driving appropriately to the conditions, and follow the latest travel advice at traffic.gov.scot.

“The Scottish Government’s resilience committee will continue to monitor the situation overnight and into Thursday, and keep Ministers fully updated.

“Advice and information for the public is available at Ready.Scot and the Scottish Government will continue to work with all relevant agencies to closely monitor the storm and its impacts and ensure support is provided to those affected.”

Joanne Maguire Scotrail’s Chief Operating Officer said: “ScotRail and Network Rail teams have been working flat out to keep people moving where possible, but we have faced extreme conditions in different parts of the country which has resulted in significant disruption. The safety of our staff and passengers is our top priority.

“We will be working overnight and early in the morning to inspect the railway and restore services, but disruption is expected to continue into Thursday. Our advice to passengers is to check before travelling via the ScotRail website or app.”

Don’t let your festive clear out turn into fly-tipping

Householders across Scotland are being reminded not to let their festive clear outs add to waste crime by inadvertently giving their waste to criminals.

From unregistered individuals with a van advertising on social media, to serious and organised crime gangs, criminals see waste as a money-making enterprise and Scots could be unknowingly adding to the problem.  

The landfill tax for household waste is currently £102.10 per tonne (for standard rate), and legitimate operators need to pay for permits and infrastructure, amongst other overheads, to operate environmentally sound sites that are compliant with regulations.

Waste dumped illegally in laybys, rural locations or holes in the ground instead of being recycled or disposed of in the correct manner means criminals are avoiding having to pay the costs a legal operator has to. Instead, the cost to clean-up abandoned waste is usually left to local authorities or landowners.  

Additionally, waste dumped or burned means the opportunity for recycling or re-use of valuable materials could be lost.

Out of sight not out of mind 

Criminals are resourceful, inventive and will find new ways to break the law – especially with a cash incentive. This includes amongst others – flytipping, burying waste in fields, burning of waste, cramming it into warehouses and even 40ft old HGV trailers.

Jennifer Shearer, SEPA’s Head of Enforcement said:  “Illegal operators often hide what they plan to do with waste they collect, which can lead to fly-tipping in communities or large-scale disposal on private land. The first line of defence is stopping criminals getting their hands on waste in the first place.

“Services that sound too good to be true often are – and could lead to your waste being illegally fly-tipped. If you’re planning a clear out, you can help tackle waste crime by refusing to engage the services of people that are not authorised.

“Remember, if they dispose of it illegally and we can trace the waste back to you – you can be held to account and prosecuted or fined as well. A legitimate operator should be able to tell you their SEPA waste carrier licence number and the exact location your waste will be taken to. If they won’t provide those two pieces of information don’t give them your waste.”

Don’t support waste crime  

Top four Dos and Don’ts of Household Waste Disposal 

DO use common sense. If you are approached out of the blue with an offer to dispose of your waste so quickly and cheaply it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.  

DON’T entrust your waste to someone if they are unable to tell you basic information like their waste carrier registration number and the named site they are taking the waste to.  

DO take responsibility for who you give waste to – if illegally disposed of waste is traced back to you then you could face enforcement action too. 

DO check that the company you are thinking of hiring to remove your waste is registered with SEPA  

Landowners must be alert to the risk of their land or premises being used for illegal waste deposits and trailer or vehicle owners should also be aware of the risk of theft for use in illegal waste disposal activities.  

Report suspicious sites and behaviours to SEPA 24 hours a day, seven days a week through our pollution hotline online or by calling 0800 80 70 60.  

SEPA urges the public to sign up for free flood messages following October’s severe weather

With parts of Scotland recording their wettest October on record, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) are appealing for as many people as possible to sign up for free flood Alerts and Warnings.

SEPA are Scotland’s national flood forecasting and warning authority. Advance notice of flooding is provided using forecast weather information from the Met Office in combination with SEPA’s own rainfall and river level observations, and advanced hydrological modelling.

When flooding impacts are forecast, regional Alerts, local Warnings or, in worst case scenarios local Severe Warnings, are issued to those signed up to receive them via phone call or text.

Last month alone, more than 200 messages were issued to communities across Scotland experiencing flooding following prolonged and intense rainfall. The north-east of Scotland in particular faced very serious impacts during Storm Babet.

Pascal Lardet, Flood Warning Unit Manager at SEPA, said: “Around 4,000 people signed up to receive our Alerts and Warnings last month, demonstrating just how vital this information is during severe weather.

“However, we’re urging those who aren’t signed up yet not to wait until the next storm hits and take action now to sign up to our free Floodline service.

“It’s widely accepted that climate change is resulting in more extreme weather. Flooding will become more of a regular occurrence and it’s vital that communities are supported to prepare more effectively for the impacts to keep themselves and their families safe.

SEPA are continuing to expand Scotland’s flood warning service network and have recently added six local Flood Warning areas along the River Carron near Falkirk. Approximately 1,500 properties are at risk of flooding in these areas, which were identified in Scotland’s Flood Risk Management Plans as a priority.

Pascal Lardet added: “By using data from two gauging stations and a new flood forecasting model, SEPA are able to give between three to six hours advance warning of flood risk to those around the River Carron.

“Receiving our messages allows communities and businesses more time to act and reduce the risk of damage and disruption. This may involve deploying flood protection products, moving vehicles from at risk areas and changing travel plans.”

Sign up to receive free regional Flood Alert and local Flood Warning messages to your phone, for free, letting you know when the area where you live, work or travel through is at risk of flooding.

You can register online at floodline.sepa.org.uk/floodingsignup/.