Partners prepare in response to potential coastal flooding

 The Caithness and Sutherland Emergency Liaison Group met this morning (Tuesday 14 January) to prepare for the potential of coastal flooding affecting communities in Caithness and Sutherland. 

Due to a combination of higher than usual tides and a surge effect caused by Storm Brendan passing to the north west of the UK, a number of locations along the Moray Firth are considered at risk from flooding, particularly Wick, Lybster, Dunbeath and Helmsdale. Flooding impacts are likely a few hours around the time of high tide which was at 13:00 

Highland Council and multi-agency partners are monitoring the situation and are ready to respond to any impact. The public are advised to remain vigilant. Advice and further information is available through the SEPA Floodline on 0345 9881188. 

This follows on from the work yesterday to prepare for potential flooding in the Fort William area. Last night in the town the Westend car park was deluged with about 2-3ft of water at the peak of the tide and wind for approximately an hour only.  

There were no issues at the Caol foreshore as sea water did not breach onto Erracht Drive. The Corpach basin had sea water over the top of the Loch Linnhe sea wall, but this soon subsided with no damage or further issues. 

Some localised road flooding occurred and the Lochyside/Caol road was closed for 2 hrs from 2000-2200hrs. Also affected was the A861 near Resipole on the Ardnamurchin Peninsula and a section of the A82 in the Invercoe area. 

In Applecross a section of the sea defence retaining wall was partially washed away. The road is not closed and work to provide a temporary by-pass is underway in order for the route to remain open until a temporary repair to the sea defence is made. Although the road is open, drivers should allow extra time and expect short delays.