UPDATE: 2nd flood warning issued by Sepa for River Nairn - this time in Nairn itself
A second flood warning has been issued for the River Nairn following heavy rain.
The new warning, which covers Nairn itself, was issued by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) shortly before 1.30pm.
It follows an earlier warning - which was issued at 6.10am and is still in force - for a stretch of the river extending from the outskirts of Nairn upstream almost as far as the Nairn Viaduct at Culloden.
Confirming the new warning for Nairn, a Sepa spokesperson said; “There is a risk of flooding to agricultural land and low lying properties along the River Nairn between Broadley and Fishertown in Nairn. Areas along the Auldearn Burn around River Park and Balmakeith Park are also at risk.
“Remain vigilant and remember, it is your responsibility to take actions which help protect yourself and your property. Advice and information is also available through Floodline on 0345 9881188.
“This flood warning is now in force until further notice and was sent by phone and SMS free of charge to registered customers of our Floodline direct warning service.
“If you haven't already signed up to receive free flood messages, please call Floodline or register online at sepa.org.uk/floodingsignup.
Your Floodline quick dial number for this area is 22416.
The still active first flood warning extends from Cantraydoune to the outskirts of Nairn. The current Floodline quick dial number for that area is 22422.
The warning comes amid a number of wider, lower level, flood alerts in communities across the region.
There are currently flood alerts in place for the Findhorn, Nairn, Moray and Speyside area, as well as Caithness, Sutherland, Ross-shire, the Great Glen, Lochaber and Skye.
Commenting on those flood alert zones, the spokesperson added: "A period of heavy and persistent rain from Wednesday afternoon until Thursday evening could cause flooding impacts from surface water and rivers. Particularly at risk are urban areas and the transport network. Impacts may include flooding to low-lying land and roads, with difficult driving conditions. Isolated properties may also be at risk."