RESIDENTS in Dumfries and Galloway are being urged to prepare for flooding this winter.
The message to the region from SEPA is ‘Prepare and Be Aware, flooding can affect you’.
It comes after Met Office climate projections indicate an increase in the intensity of weather events and much wetter winters, as seen earlier this week on New Year’s Eve.
The last storm season saw the highest number of named storms since 2015, with several causing flooding across Dumfries and Galloway.
Storm Kathleen last April saw 90 mph winds cause dangerous coastal conditions in particular to the Solway Coast, whilst the River Nith catchment area is often affected by intense rainfall causing flooding at Whitesands in particular.
Since September 2023, SEPA has issued over 32 regional flood alerts and local flood warnings in Dumfries and Galloway.
Despite this, fewer than 1600 people locally are signed up to Floodline.
So they are now urging everyone to do three things which can help during flooding:
1. Check the Scottish Flood Forecast (a three-day outlook of where flooding might happen/is likely to occur, developed by SEPA and the Met Office)
2. Sign up to Floodline for text, email or phone call messages for the area where you live or work
3. Follow SEPA on social media for flooding regular updates and information on flooding
In addition, SEPA is recommending preparing ‘flood kits’ containing medication, torches, first aid kits, bottled water and essential child and pet supplies like food and nappies.
Head of hydrology and flooding Vincent Fitzsimons said: “Flooding can affect all of us, and being prepared can make a significant difference.
“This winter, we encourage everyone to take advantage of our services and be ready for whatever the weather may bring.”
