Sepa flood warnings and severe flood warnings in place in Highlands and Moray on Hogmanay
More than 20 active flood warnings were in force across Moray and the Highlands on Hogmanay morning - three of which were at the highest "severe" danger to life level.
The spate of flood alerts come amid an active amber weather warning for heavy rain on Hogmanay.
The Met Office alert, which runs until 5pm, will be followed by a yellow warning at midnight for snow and ice that will run into New Year's Day and January 2.
The active flood warnings on Tuesday morning included a trio of severe alerts for stretches of the Spey and its tributaries at Aviemore, Kincraig and Carrbridge.
Further flood warnings are also in place in the likes of Newtonmore, Kingussie, Grantown, Nairn, Aberlour, Craigellachie, Rothes, Moy Bridge and Strathglass.
Three further warnings are also in place in the Fort William and Loch Lochy area.
General flood alerts are also in place for Caithness & Sutherland; Easter Ross & Great Glen; Wester Ross; Findhorn, Nairn, Moray & Speyside; and Skye & Lochaber.
For the full list of flood warnings in your area, visit https://floodline.sepa.org.uk/floodupdates/.
Describing the three severe flood warnings in force on parts of the Spey and tributaries, a spokesperson for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) said: “There is a danger to life. If you are in an affected area and are in danger and need assistance, call emergency responders. Due to persistent and heavy rainfall, river levels on the River Spey are expected to rise throughout Tuesday.
“Extensive flooding to properties and businesses is expected in and around Aviemore. This will include Dalfaber Road, The Old Bridge Inn, Speyside Leisure Park, the sewage treatment works, the railway line at Easter Kinakyle and the road and communities around Inverdruie and Kincraig.
“Overnight, water levels on the River Spey did not rise to as expected to. It did begin to rise early on Tuesday morning and that will continue into the day. Less rain fell overnight than was forecast, but is continuing to affect the area.
“Take action now. Stay away from flood water and do not take unnecessary risks. Some evacuations have been advised. Please follow the advice of the emergency services and first responders on the ground.
“The Highland Council has set up an information point at Aviemore Highland Resort, Morlich Suite
“Remain vigilant and remember, it is your responsibility to take actions which help protect yourself and your property. Advice and information is available on our website or by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188.”
Describing the severe warning between Sluggan and Dulnain Bridge, the spokesperson added: “Extensive flooding to properties and businesses is expected in and around Carrbridge. This will include properties and access roads near the River Dulnain including areas around Sluggan and Dulnain Bridge. Widespread flooding of agricultural land is expected throughout the valley.”
Affected communities are being directed to the same information point at Aviemore Highland Resort.
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