Storm surge to hit north as drivers warned of icy roads

Weather: Sepa issues flooding alert as wind to whip up big waves on coast

The north-east coastal region has been warned of potential flooding as it prepares to be battered by stormy seas today.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency last night issued a flood alert across Aberdeen city and shire, while warning a “storm surge” would strike communities in the north of the region today.

The organisation said the choppy seas will be coupled with high tides in the early afternoon.

It comes as the Met Office issued a yellow warning of ice for the Highlands and Western Isles into this morning, with temperatures dropping below zero and frost likely in the north-east.

The forecaster also predicted that wintry showers of snow and sleet could continue throughout the north of Scotland until the end of the week. It comes as Storm Ewan hit parts of the UK yesterday, a week after Storm Doris brought an Arctic blast to Scotland.

However, forecasters said Aberdeen city and shire, Moray and the Highlands and Islands would also enjoy clear weather this week.

Yesterday, a Sepa spokesman said: “A flood alert has been issued for Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City. This alert is for the north Aberdeenshire coast.

“Strong winds and a moderate storm surge will coincide with high tides around early afternoon on Tuesday.

“Wave and spray overtopping is likely in areas exposed to the strong northerly winds. Flooding to low-lying ground in exposed coastal areas is possible around the times of high water.”

Last night, Aberdeen Met Office meteorologist Peter Sloss said: “There will be large waves and very high tides. It might just cause a bit of over-topping. It is not weather-related. It is much more of a tidal issue, and (to do with) the state of the seas.

“The weather will be pretty quiet across the whole area. There is some frost developing overnight, but it will be almost back to normal February temperatures. There is an ice risk all over the whole area.

“The showers will be more in the west Highlands with some coming into Orkney, Shetland and the north Grampian area.

“But the bottom line is there will be a lot of dry weather around.

“It is certainly a cold week.

“There is a lot of crisp winter weather and sunshine, but it is not completely dry.”

RISK: The Met Office issued a yellow warning of ice for the Highlands and Western Isles into this morning as temperatures are expected to drop below zero