Stay alert to further flooding risk

The Scottish Government is encouraging people to continue checking local weather forecasts and travel information as parts of the country continue to be badly affected by recent flooding and bad weather.

Many communities are still clearing up after Storm Frank. However that clear-up has been hampered by further bad weather over the last few days.

Travel in affected areas has also suffered major disruption and those who need to travel should plan their journey carefully. People should check all of the available information on travel operators’ websites and Twitter feeds before they set off on their journeys. For trunk roads, Traffic Scotland will have the very latest updates on conditions.

The Scottish Government Resilience Committee has met a number of times, including again today, to help co-ordinate and support local efforts. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Deputy First Minister John Swinney and other Ministers are being kept fully updated and have discussed work to mitigate the impact of the flooding and ensure the safety of people in local communities. The Government will continue to work with responders and ensure they have the support they need to manage the developing situation.

On Hogmanay Nicola visited Newton Stewart to see for herself some of the damage caused by Storm Frank and tomorrow (Saturday) she will travel to the North East to meet those affected by the most recent flooding and to thank those who are working around the clock to protect lives, homes and businesses. She will also outline the further government assistance planned for those affected.

Useful websites and helplines

Flooding

Live flood updates from SEPA at www.sepa.org.uk/floodupdates or call the Floodline 0345 988 1188.

You can also sign up for free local flood warnings and regional alerts via SEPA at www.floodlinescotland.org.uk or call the Floodline 0345 988 1188.

Members of the public can also use the recently launched Report-a-Flood site http://www.floodlinescotland.org.uk/report-a-flood.

People can also contact the Scottish Flood Forum, a charitable organisation funded by the Scottish Government that provides support for and represents those who are affected by or are at risk of flooding http://www.scottishfloodforum.org or call 01698 839021.

Weather

Full alerts, including the Chief Forecaster’s Assessment and a map showing the areas included in the alerts, are available at: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings/

Travel

For real time journey information visit www.trafficscotland.org, follow @trafficscotland on Twitter or call 0800 028 1414.

Advice on preparing for winter weather is available on the Scottish Government’s Ready Scotland website at www.readyscotland.org