Communities across Stirling, left beleaguered from preceding severe flooding, are bracing themselves for potential further deluges. This warning comes as Storm Babet is set to batter the region, prompting the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) to issue an alert.
The alert issued by SEPA covers central Scotland, including frequent flooding locations such as Aberfoyle and Callander. The region anticipates heavy and prolonged rainfall from Thursday morning through to Saturday.
The Met Office has amplified the concern by issuing a yellow weather warning for much of Scotland, encompassing Stirling and Clackmannanshire. This warning holds from Thursday’s dawn until Saturday morning.
Upon issuing their flooding alert, SEPA cautioned that the expected downpour could trigger widespread flooding from rivers and surface water, leading to property flooding and possibly disrupting travel and infrastructure in particular areas.
Areas at the most significant risk are usually in the eastern parts of the region, such as the terrains draining the Ochills. However, SEPA will remain vigilant, monitoring other areas where impacts are still a possibility. They promise to provide updates in case the situation escalates.
Forecasts from the Met Office predict potentially disruptive prolonged heavy rainfall developing on Thursday and lasting in some areas until Saturday. Across central and southern Scotland, rainfall of 20-40mm is anticipated quite widely. Some areas will likely see 50-60mm.
For northern Scotland, rainfall of 50-75mm is expected. The highest ground in this region may see rain in excess of 100mm.
Further towards the north, in Angus and Aberdeenshire, the Met Office has signalled a rare red weather warning due to an “exceptional rainfall expected to cause severe flooding and disruption”. Northeast of Stirling, an amber weather warning has been issued.
Prior to the storm’s arrival, Scotrail had already decided to suspend certain rail services from today, including between Dunblane and Perth, as a precautionary measure.
Residents and traders across Stirling were left devastated earlier this month as torrential rains caused severe flooding, especially in Aberfoyle and communities along the B829. In Aberfoyle, the severity of the situation was magnified when a Kerosene spill contaminated the flood waters, causing health alarms.
In preparedness for Storm Babet, SEPA advises residents in flood-prone areas to “remain vigilant” and to remember that it is their responsibility to take precautionary measures to safeguard their property.
Residents can obtain advice and information by calling SEPA’s Floodline on 0345 9881188 or signing up to receive free flood messages on the SEPA website. The Floodline quick dial number for the area is 23100.
