Heavy rain causes schools and travel chaos as amber warning in place
We're being warned to only travel if necessary and to plan ahead
Last updated 18th Nov 2022
Rest centres have been opened in some parts of Aberdeenshire as rain continues to batter down in many parts of the North East of Scotland - with the council warning residents to take steps to protect their properties.
Road maps of closures due to floods have been circulated and rest centres will open in Ballater, Aboyne, Inverurie and Kemnay for those needing help and who are unable to stay in their homes.
Aberdeenshire Council warned that river levels will peak later on Friday. Sandbag points have also been located around the region to protect from flood waters.
SEPA has issued the highest level of flood warning for Kintore, Kemnay, Ballater, Inverurie and Aberdeen.
The bad weather has led to travel and schools disruption across the region - with an amber weather warning in place in eastern parts of Scotland.
The amber "heavy rain" alert is in place for Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Angus and Perth and Kinross until 3pm on Friday, and warns some fast-flowing or deep floodwater is likely, “causing danger to life”.
Meanwhile, A yellow warning is in place for a large part of eastern Scotland until 6pm on Friday.
Many train services in the region have been cancelled as a result of line closures between Aberdeen and Dundee, and Huntly and Dyce.
Authorities said the rain will make driving difficult, with the potential for reduced visibility and surface water, and conditions likely to affect travel on both the trunk road and rail network.
The Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is also dealing with a number of small, localised power cuts. They said the single biggest fault currently being repaired and restored is in the Kintore and Fintry area - with around 200 customers affected. The expected restoration time is 3pm.
In Angus, all schools in Brechin, Montrose and Kirriemuir were closed due to localised flooding, as well as more than a dozen others.
On Friday morning, a lane of the M9 westbound was closed at J2 due to flooding, while in Fife the A92 was closed between the Parbroath Crossroads and Melville Lodges due to flooding, and in Dunfermline, Halbeath Road was shut with diversions in place.
Regional flood warnings are in place from the eastern Borders to Aberdeenshire, with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency warning Aberdeenshire and Angus could be particularly affected.
There were 20 flood warnings and nine flood alerts in place on Friday morning.
People living in regions with flood warnings have been urged to plan any journeys and keep themselves safe.
Transport minister Jenny Gilruth said: "The Met Office is warning us to expect a period of difficult weather in parts of eastern Scotland throughout Friday, with heavy rain likely to impact travel in the amber warning area in the north-east.
"The conditions could potentially bring disruption to the transport network, so it's important people plan their journeys before they set off - particularly if they're looking to use the trunk roads or travel by rail."
Forecasters said that some areas of higher ground in the amber warning area could see a month's worth of rain within a couple of days, with more than 100mm of rain, and even 150mm, possible in parts of the Grampians and Cairngorms.
Average rainfall for November in Aberdeenshire is 113mm, while in Angus it is 122.8mm.
ScotRail has imposed some speed restrictions on lines in the east of Scotland until midday.
Network Rail Scotland said journeys will take longer today on the East Coast Mainline between Edinburgh and the Borders, as well as between Aberdeen, Inverness and the Central Belt because of the "extremely high rainfall" which means train speeds need to be limited for safety.
Ms Gilruth added: "Motorists should make sure their routes are available, follow travel advice from Police Scotland and drive to the conditions."
Chief Superintendent Louise Blakelock, head of road policing, said: "As an amber warning for heavy rain has been issued, we are urging motorists to plan ahead and avoid unnecessary travel.
"The Met Office, Sepa and Traffic Scotland websites have valuable information about weather disruptions and we would advise people to check these sites before setting off on your journey.
"If you do need to drive, make sure you and your vehicle are suitably prepared by having sufficient fuel, waterproofs, warm clothing, food and water in the event you are delayed and be mindful of increased stopping distances when braking."