SEPA issues flood warnings across Edinburgh and the Lothians as cold snap ends

A flood alert has been issued for Edinburgh and Lothians, with temperatures forecast to rise into the double digits as the cold spell ends.

On Monday and Tuesday, strong winds and milder air are expected to become established across the area.

Lying snow is expected to start melting at most levels and, whilst no significant rainfall is expected, there is the potential for flooding from small watercourses and rivers.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) said any flooding impacts are most likely to include flooding to low-lying land and roads and individual properties.

SEPA commented: “Surface water may also be an issue in low-lying areas especially if the ground remains frozen.”

The Met Office, meanwhile, has said Monday will see the beginning of the milder weather, with the mercury rising to highs 10C in Scotland.

It follows a period of freezing conditions, which saw the UK record its coldest temperature for 65 years at Braemar in Aberdeenshire on Wednesday night when the mercury dropped down to minus 23C.

Met Office forecaster Luke Miall said: “Weather-wise, it’s not too bad a day for many tomorrow.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) said any flooding impacts are most likely to include flooding to low-lying land and roads and individual properties.

“It does start wet across south-east England with some outbreaks of rain.

“But from mid to late morning they should clear, and then for many we are looking at dry interludes with some sunny spells.

“There may be one or two showers in Scotland.”

A yellow weather warning for wind remains in place until midnight on Sunday for western Scotland and Northern Ireland’s east coast.

Mr Miall said gusts of 81mph had been recorded on the island of South Uist in the Outer Hebrides.

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