Flood risk in Scotland rises as snowmelt and heavy rain increase warnings

SEPA has three flood warnings and 12 flood alerts after a weekend of poor weather, and the Met Office has yellow wind and rain warnings for north‑west Scotland.

Flood alerts and warnings have increased across Scotland following a weekend of poor weather. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has three flood warnings and 12 flood alerts in force, and the Met Office has yellow warnings for wind and rain affecting north‑west Scotland. Scottish Government ministers and partner agencies have been coordinating response through the Resilience Room as melting snow combines with heavy rainfall. Current details: - SEPA lists three flood warnings and 12 flood alerts, with warnings affecting Newton Stewart and Whitesands in Dumfries and Galloway and the Churchill Barriers in Orkney. - The Met Office has a yellow wind warning in place until 10:00 on Monday and a yellow rain warning until 08:00 on Monday, with milder air bringing rain rather than snow in some areas. - Transport impacts include the A92 closed both ways at Portlethen, diversion of A83 traffic via the Old Military Road, and several ferry cancellations and rail delays or cancellations. A decision on returning traffic to the A83 is scheduled for midday Monday following a hillside inspection. - The Scottish Government Resilience Room has met for several consecutive days; Aberdeenshire Council has stood down its major incident but remains in a heightened response state. Summary: Officials say continued heavy rain and rising temperatures are increasing flood risk as accumulated snow melts, with the greatest risk reported for Dumfries and Galloway and parts of western and northern Scotland. Transport networks have experienced closures, diversions and some cancelled ferry and rail services. A decision on reopening the A83 is expected by midday on Monday after a planned hillside inspection; further developments are undetermined at this time.