Eighteen flood alerts issued across Scotland by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa), amid worries of flash flooding brought on by thunderstorms; alerts in Inverness-shire, Ross-shire, Caithness, Sutherland, Speyside, Skye, Lochaber and further afield follow yellow warnings from Met Office
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FLASH flooding fears have prompted a series of alerts from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) – amid forecasts for thunderstorms in the Highlands over the next day-and-a-half.
Although the thunderstorms are expected to be isolated, they could form anywhere in the Highlands, and those unlucky to get caught out in one could face intense rainfall.
Issuing alerts for 18 separate regions of Scotland – including Easter Ross and the Great Glen; Wester Ross; Caithness and Sutherland; Skye and Lochaber; Findhorn, Nairn, Moray and Speyside – a spokesman for Sepa said: "Heavy thundery showers are likely to develop during Friday, continuing overnight and through Saturday.
"Most places will stay dry, however if your area is affected by a heavy shower, this may lead to localised flooding from surface water and small watercourses. The greatest risk is if these occur over built-up areas and the transport network. Possible impacts may include flooding of low-lying land, roads, properties and disruption to travel.
"Thunderstorms are intense, localised, hard to predict and their flooding impacts vary. Due to the very localised nature of flooding from thunderstorms, your specific area may not be impacted.
"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.
"If you haven't already signed up to receive free flood messages, please call Floodline or register online at sepa.org.uk/floodingsignup."
The Sepa flood alerts came after the Met Office issued yellow weather warnings for thunderstorm activity and heavy rain across the Highlands and further afield. At the time of writing, the thunderstorm alert was expected to remain in place until 9am tomorrow, with a subsequent warning for heavy rain then running from 9am tomorrow until 10pm the same day.
