weather warnings – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Yellow weather warnings in place

The @metoffice has issued a YELLOW weather warning for THUNDERSTORMS today (Tuesday 27th July) from 12:00 – 23:59 and a YELLOW weather warning for RAIN tomorrow (Wednesday 28th July) midnight – Thursday 29th July) 06:00am.

There’s more info at: http://ms.spr.ly/6013nYaOc

Flooding Outlook – 27 July

David Faichney, SEPA’s Duty Flooding Manager said: “A mix of heavy rain and thundery showers are expected across much of the country from Tuesday to Thursday, with the worst affected areas likely to be Easter Ross and the Great Glen, Findhorn, Moray, Nairn and Speyside, Tayside, Central, Edinburgh and Lothians and West Central Scotland.

“Due to the nature of thundery showers, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly where will be worst hit, but what we do know is that it can happen quickly and can be highly localised.

“It’s important that those out and about, holidaying, engaging in activities near rivers and streams or out hillwalking are aware of the hazards and stay safe. Some rivers and streams can rise to dangerous levels very quickly, so avoid camping near water and be very mindful of conditions if considering activities such as swimming or canoeing.

“15 regional Flood Alerts have been issued, and people living and working in affected areas are advised to plan their journeys and consider the steps they need to take now to be prepared, including keeping flood protection products, like sandbags, in place in high risk areas. You can stay up to date with regional Flood Alerts and local Flood Warnings at sepa.org.uk/floodupdates.

“Extreme weather such as prolonged heavy rain following a period of warm, dry weather, is something we will see more of as our climate changes and these patterns become more common in the future.

“SEPA is working 24/7 to monitor rainfall and river levels and is in close contact with the Met Office and other partners to review the forecasts, which are combined with local expertise from all regions of Scotland to understand and present the flooding risk. We would encourage the public to remain vigilant, especially in isolated, low lying agricultural areas susceptible to flooding. The most up-to-date information is always available on our website.”

Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms can cause very intense and localised torrential downpours, with potential dangerous flash flooding impacts.
It is very hard to predict where exactly impacts may be experienced; it can also happen suddenly, so it is important you are prepared and remain vigilant.
It is your responsibility to take action to protect yourselves and your property against flooding, for information on how to prepare visit, www.floodlinescotland.org.uk.
Be careful on the roads. Spray and sudden flooding can lead to difficult driving conditions. You should not drive through flood water.

Staying informed

All SEPA’s Alerts and Warnings are available on our website at sepa.org.uk/floodupdates
Floodline is always the most up-to-date information – with any new flood updates available as soon as they are issued.
Advice on what you can do to prepare for flooding can be found at floodlinescotland.org.uk

Be prepared and stay safe

Check Floodline – visit sepa.org.uk/floodupdates
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 are walking beside rivers be extra careful of wet footpaths and possibly small watercourses in spate.
Please consider deploying flooding protection products if required.

What’s the difference between a Flood Alert and a Flood 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: Flood warnings in force across Scotland

13 Regional Flood Alerts and 22 Local Flood Warnings Now in Force.

From late Sunday across to Tuesday, West, Central, Tayside and Northern Scotland will see persistent, often heavy rain and winds, with significant flooding impacts possible, particularly around the Spey, Forth and Tay and minor impacts possible across the broader areas.

Take care when walking or travelling near coastal areas, including the Western Isles and Orkney, due to surge, strong winds and wave overtopping.

Check the latest information at https://floodlinescotland.org.uk

Ruth Ellis, Duty Flood Manager for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, said: “From late Sunday across to Tuesday, West, Central, Tayside and Northern Scotland will see persistent, often heavy rain and winds, with significant flooding impacts possible, particularly around the Spey, Forth and Tay and minor impacts possible across the broader areas.

“Take care when walking or travelling near coastal areas, including the Western Isles and Orkney, due to surge, strong winds and wave overtopping.

“13 Regional Flood Alerts and 22 local Flood Warnings are now in place, and people living and working in affected areas are advised to plan their essential journeys and consider the steps they need to take now to be prepared.

“Stay up to date with SEPA’s regional flood alerts and local flood warnings at sepa.org.uk/floodupdates and sign-up for our free Floodline service by calling 0345 988 1188 or by clicking floodlinescotland.org.uk.”

Staying informed

Check the latest information on SEPA’s Regional Flood Alerts and Local Floor Warnings at sepa.org.uk/floodupdates
Check the latest advice on what to do to prepare for flooding at floodlinescotland.org.uk
Register for SEPA’s free Floodline alert service by calling 0345 988 1188 or by clicking floodlinescotland.org.uk.

Be prepared and stay safe

Check Floodline – visit sepa.org.uk/floodupdates
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 possibly small watercourses in spate.
Consider deploying flooding protection products if required.

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.

UK braced for Storm Dennis

Storm Dennis will bring very heavy rain and strong winds to the UK this weekend, with a risk of flooding and travel disruption in some areas.

The Met Office has issued multiple National Severe Weather Warnings for wind and rain from Saturday through to Monday, including several amber rain warnings for parts of England and Wales.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Steve Willington, said: “Storm Dennis will bring another very unsettled spell of weather this weekend with a risk of flooding, particularly in parts of England and Wales and also southern Scotland, where snowmelt will add to the flood risk.

“Following Storm Ciara last weekend and further spells of rain this week, the ground is already saturated in places. With Storm Dennis bringing further heavy and persistent rain over the weekend, there is a risk of significant impacts from flooding, including damage to property and a danger to life from fast flowing floodwater.

“Our advice is to keep an eye on the latest weather forecast and weather warnings for your area and to follow the safety advice from officials.”

Caroline Douglass, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, said: “We are advising people to sign up for flood warnings by phone, text or email and to access the latest safety advice on gov.uk by searching ‘sign up for flood warnings’.

“Remember to never drive or walk through flood water, just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car – it’s not worth the risk.”

In addition to rain warnings, the Met Office have issued several wind warnings over the weekend.

Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, Laura Ellam, said: “It’ll be windy across the UK this weekend – on Saturday the strongest winds will be across England and Wales, and on Sunday the strongest winds will be across Northern Ireland, Scotland, and parts of northern England and north Wales, with coastal gales of 70mph at times.

“Monday will be another windy day, but the heavy rain will be replaced by blustery, wintry showers.”

You can get the most accurate and up to date forecast for your area using the Met Office forecast pages and by following us on Twitter and Facebook, as well as using our mobile app which is available for iPhone from the App store and for Android from the Google Play store. 

Storm Ciara update

Met Office warnings for Edinburgh:

It will be a very wet and windy start to #Sunday as #StormCiara starts to cross the UK. Several #WeatherWarnings are in force ⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️

Stay safe and keep #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/PwgcNn1qlQ

— Met Office (@metoffice) February 8, 2020

SUNDAY – Yellow warning of WIND

Storm Ciara will bring very strong winds and potentially some disruption to travel throughout Sunday.

– Injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible

– Injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties

– Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could happen

– Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible

– Some roads and bridges may close

– Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage.

Persistent and heavy rain may lead to flooding and disruption. – Homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings – Delays or cancellations to train and bus services are possible – Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures – Possible power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses – There is a chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater, causing a danger to life.

MONDAY – Yellow weather warning of WIND

Heavy snow and strong winds will combine to lead to disruption to travel , especially over higher routes.

– Possible travel delays on roads stranding some vehicles and passengers

– Possible delays or cancellations to rail and air travel

– Power cuts may occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected.

– Delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges likely.

TUESDAY – Yellow weather warning of SNOW

Heavy snow and strong winds will combine to lead to disruption to travel , especially over higher routes.

– Possible travel delays on roads stranding some vehicles and passengers

– Possible delays or cancellations to rail and air travel

– Power cuts may occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected.

– Delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges likely

Emergency planners meet as wild winds batter Scotland

FORTH ROAD BRIDGE CLOSED – lorry blown over

Ministers have been updated on preparations for the wintry weather expected in Scotland this week at a meeting of the Scottish Government’s resilience team yesterday. The Met Office has issued several Yellow (Be Aware) warnings for snow and strong winds from today through to Friday.

Details are available at http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings

The meeting, chaired by Deputy First Minister, John Swinney and Transport Minister, Humza Yousaf, covered planning for all major modes of transport and the utilities. The flood risk for Scotland remains low for the next few days.

The conditions will lead to some difficult driving conditions. The strong winds will be the most immediate issue with likely road bridge restrictions on Wednesday, especially for high-sided vehicles. When combined with the sleet and snow showers there is also a risk of snow drifts on higher routes on Thursday and Friday.

Gritting teams will be out across the period to help keep the trunk roads moving. Patrols will also be stationed at strategic locations on the network to make sure that they can respond to any emerging issues.

Disruption to other transport modes, especially ferries tomorrow, is a possibility and passengers should check the latest on conditions before they set-off on their journeys.

Utilities companies are putting the necessary arrangements in place to cope with incidents should they arise.

Transport Minister, Humza Yousaf said: “We will be seeing cold and windy conditions over the next few days and plans are in place to help us do all we can to mitigate the impact of the snow and gale force winds.

“The transport network is likely to be the first sector affected by strong winds on Wednesday with possibility of HGV restrictions on bridges. Our winter treatments will be carried-out across the period with patrols out where required. We have more gritters available than before and salt is in plentiful supply.

“Key routes will be monitored through our network of weather stations and live cameras and the Traffic Scotland National Traffic Control Centre will take all of this information and send it out to road users through the website and Traffic Scotland twitter feed on a 24/7 basis.

“We would ask that people keep the conditions in mind when they are making their travel plans and leave plenty of time. We are making as much information available as possible to allow the public to make informed decisions. The winter treatments page on the Traffic Scotland website has details of which routes are being treated and our Trunk Road Gritter Tracker lets road users see where gritters have been out in the last 24 hours.

“Travel operators websites will have all of the relevant information on ferries, rail and air and Traffic Scotland has a webpage with all of these links. The advice is to check before travel to make sure that you get to your destination safely.”

Chief Superintendent Andy Edmonston, Head of Road Policing, said: “With a risk of weather-related disruption for the remainder of the working week, motorists should bear in mind the risk of potentially hazardous driving conditions to come.

“If you are traveling, please ensure your vehicle is well prepared before setting off; making sure your windscreens are completely free of snow and ice; ensure your number plate is clear; and your lights are working and clean.

“Ensure you have sufficient fuel in the vehicle, as well as supplies for yourself and passengers, including food, water, warm clothes and a fully charged mobile phone. Check your route before you set off, and consider options for an alternative route, if necessary. Be aware public transport could be disrupted and restrictions could be in effect on road bridges.

“Motorists should also adapt their driving to suit road conditions, as well as the behaviour of other road users, including leaving more space between vehicles.

“Road Policing crews will be patrolling the trunk roads and other priority routes to keep people safe during this period – please follow our advice and travel with caution.”

The Scottish Government’s annual resilience marketing campaign, Ready Scotland, is a good reminder of the simple actions we can all take to prepare for adverse conditions. Further information is available at www.readyscotland.org

FORTH ROAD BRIDGE CLOSED

The Forth Road Bridge is likely to remain closed until after the rush hour after an articulated lorry was blown over at 2am this morning

Storm Conor arrives overnight

Emergency planners meet on Christmas Day

The public are being urged to check before they travel as Storm Conor prepares to sweep across parts of northern Scotland during Boxing Day. Continue reading Storm Conor arrives overnight

Council weather advice: be prepared

Well, winter’s here and the city council is offering advice on how to stay safe as the bad weather bites …

The Council’s website has information on what to do when gales and storms are forecast, such as parking vehicles in garages or away from buildings and trees etc or securing loose objects that could be blown away.

As temperatures look set to plummet once again towards the end of the week with snow in the forecast as well, residents can also log on to see an interactive map of salt bins across the city and find out the priority streets and pavements for gritting patrols. You can now use online forms to report problems with salt bins or to request a new one for your area.

Preparing for wintry conditions is strongly recommended and the Ready for Winter web page includes tips such as investing in a good, strong snow shovel and arranging a winter health check for your car.

During severe weather, remember to check on your neighbours, particularly if they are older or live alone. Keep up to date with roads, schools and travel information on the website, via Twitter and local radio.

Councillor Lesley Hinds, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “Winter is definitely here now and the Council has been hard at work for many weeks getting the Capital as prepared as possible for whatever the weather has in store for us.

“We’ve got 16,000 tonnes of salt stockpiled – more than three times the amount we used in the whole of winter 2013/14 – and gritting teams have been patrolling and on standby since late October, responding to the detailed and regular forecasts we receive from the Met Office.

“As always, we’d remind residents to do whatever they need to do to get themselves ‘winter ready’ and would urge everyone to look out for those in their community who might be less able to look after themselves.”