30 December 2015

Update on flooding across Grampian region

As Storm Frank continues to impact communities in the north east of Scotland, Police Scotland is working alongside a number of other agencies to co-ordinate the response.

A number of roads across Aberdeenshire are closed due to flooding and Ballater is currently inaccessible. The A93 between Cambus O' May, Ballater and Braemar is closed, as well as between Banchory and Aboyne.
 
Police are urging motorists to not drive in the Deeside area unless necessary.

The Dee Bridge at Ballater, linking the A93 North Deeside Road and B976 South Deeside Road is closed, as is the Pass of Ballater. Additionally the A937 at Marykirk is closed. A number of local roads are affected by standing water and debris and road users are advised to travel with extra caution.

A number of residents from properties in Ballater in the Anderson Road, Deebank Road and Albert Road areas have been evacuated and residents can be accommodated in a rest centre at the Victoria Barracks, Queen's Road, Ballater.

A rest centre has also been opened at Aboyne Academy, Bridgeview Road, Aboyne for people affected by flooding in the area.

A flood warning has now also been issued for the River Dee in Aberdeen.

Chief Inspector Richard Craig said: "We are urging people to not travel unless necessary and observe road closure signs. Additionally, we are advising people who are going to flooded areas to take photographs to refrain from doing so as water levels are increasing and will be fast moving.

"Local officers are on the scene in a number of affected areas in Aberdeenshire working alongside other agencies in response to the flooding and would advise people to monitor updates on flood warnings and alerts."

Aberdeenshire Council's Duty Emergency Response Co-ordinator, Chris White, said: "We have some serious flooding in parts of Aberdeenshire, particularly around the River Dee and we are setting up rest centres as required as a place of refuge for anyone affected.

"While we continue to try to deal with specific and potential incidences of flooding, the situation is changing all the time and we are constantly monitoring the developing situation with our partners.

"We encourage people to consider their personal safety at all times, especially when near flooded watercourses and to drive to the conditions, being wary of standing and flood water."

Neil Wilson, Head of Region North East for Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution said: "Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution is working to restore power to homes and businesses in the north east of Scotland, and working closely with partner agencies to gain access to areas without power where and when it is safe to do so.

"If anyone has concerns in relation to their power supply or the welfare of anyoe who is without power, we'd encourage them to call 0800 300 999."

Richard Brown, SEPA's Head of Hydrology, said: "We are seeing widespread serious flooding across a large swathe of Scotland from Dumfries and Galloway, northeast to Tayside, Angus, Speyside and south Aberdeenshire.

"Rivers are continuing to rise in some areas and several new record levels have been recorded. There are significant impacts across the country. The Upper Dee is particularly high and this flood will migrate downstream as the day progresses."

Follow us on Twitter @PolScotRoadsNE for information about road closures in the North-East.

Information about Flood alerts can be found on the Floodline website.

Information about weather warnings is available from the Met Office website.