Multi-agency partnership established to monitor effects of severe weather across the Highland region

Issued by Police Scotland

A multi-agency partnership to monitor the effects of the heavy rainfall and high winds has been established following the severe weather conditions that have affected the Highland region.

The amber weather alert (be prepared) issued by the Met Office has now been scaled down to a yellow weather alert (be aware) and is not expected to worsen, however there is likely to be wet and windy conditions for the next few days. Further details can be found on the Met Office website - http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings/

Following reports of localised flooding, accumulations of surface water and fallen trees and branches on roads across various areas, road users are advised that if there is a requirement to travel, Police Scotland would advise that members of the public take extra care and moderate their speed and drive according to the conditions. The use of headlights is recommended and, where possible, road users are asked to avoid known affected areas.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service crews have attended over 50 incidents in the Highlands, many of which involved people being stranded after attempting to drive through flooded sections of road.

Flood water can mask damage to the road, resulting in hidden hazards and even a few inches of fast-flowing water can be powerful enough to knock someone off their feet or leave a car unable to proceed.
Police Scotland, Highland Council and Bear Scotland have ensured that appropriate signage and warnings are in place across the regions roads.

There have been a number of disruptions to public transport, particularly rail networks following reports flooding and a number of line closures. Line updates can be found on the ScotRail website - http://www.journeycheck.com/firstscotrail/

The following road closures have been issued:

  • A838 (Durness to Tongue) is closed due to erosion at south end of Loch Eriboll (Polla), plus landslip at Laid
  • A832 Dundonnel Garve at Ardessie closed due to flooding 
  • B9154 at Moy closed due to flooding 
  • Unclassified Rd At Dornoch junction with A9 (A9 not included) closed due to flooding 
  • B817 Evanton to B9176 Skiach services closed due to flooding 
  • A938 Dulnain Bridge To Carrbridge Road to be closed overnight due to road being washed away 
  • Car park at Aviemore bunk house closed due to flooding 
  • A835 at Leckmelm, Ullapool closed due to flooding 
  • A836 Bettyhill closed due to flooding 
  • A836 Ardgay - Culrain Bridge closed due to flooding 
  • A832 Gairloch near to police station closed due to flooding 
  • B873 Altnaharra to Syre road closed at Grumbeg bridge closed due to flooding 
  • Manse Road, Tongue closed due to erosion 
  • A837 at Rosehall and Oykel, near Lairg, road closed due to flooding 
  • B9152 At Kingcraig Wildlife park closed due to flooding 
  • A836 Carron Bridge to Brae is closed due to flooding 
  • Clynelish Distillery, near Brora, road is closed due to flooding 
  • A832 Berridale, Gairloch to Achnasheen closed due to flooding 
  • A837 Invershin to Rosehall road will be closed overnight.

Pedestrians are advised to be aware that two footbridges have been washed away in the Kingussie area. It is therefore recommended that the public apply caution when approaching areas where there are high water levels besides areas such as streams and rivers.

Highland Council offices at Kingussie Station and Kingussie High School are inaccessible due to flooding. The Service Point remains closed but staff can be contacted on 01349 886 606.

Whilst information from Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) suggests that there are no significant power outages across the region, there may be isolated homes affected. We also appeal to people to check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours and to inform the emergency services if anyone in the community requires particular help or assistance.

Further information can be found on the SSE website - http://www.ssepd.co.uk/

SEPA will continue to monitor the situation and would encourage the public to check the SEPA website for active flood warnings. Members of the public should call SEPA's Floodline on 0845 988 1188, for the most up to date information on their area or visit the Floodline website - http://floodline.sepa.org.uk/floodupdates/

For updates on weather alerts, travel and flood warnings the public are advised to listen to local radio and to visit the relevant websites mentioned for the most up to date information and links to their corresponding social media channels.

Further information can be found at:

Transport Scotland - http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/
Highland Council - http://www.highland.gov.uk/

-ends-

11 Aug 2014