Heavy rain causes flooding across Scotland by Kaye Forster
Heavy rain has caused flooding in several parts of Scotland today and many people have been evacuated from their homes.
One of the worst hit areas was the village of Milnathort, Kinross-shire, where the river Queich burst its banks and flooded the surrounding houses. Water rose up to two feet in some houses causing damage to carpets and furniture. Fifteen families were evacuated from their homes.
Villagers were furious because the flooding had occurred despite a £500,000 flood prevention scheme being put in place in the village. The scheme was initiated shortly after another major flooding event during January 1993.
Several other rivers burst their banks in Perthshire and East Fife. Dozens of roads were also closed as they became impassable. In some areas up to four inches (around 100mm) of rain was recorded in a very short space of time and with already saturated ground, flooding was inevitable.
In Tulloch Bridge 85.6mm (3.3 inches) of rain was reported in just 40 hours.
At the time of writing the Environment Agency has 13 flood warning in force and 14 severe flood warnings. Further informational can be found by visiting http://www.sepa.org.uk/flooding or by calling 0845 988 1188.
Thankfully the heavy rain is expected to ease through Thursday and there will be a respite from the persistent rain through the weekend. A ridge of high pressure is forecast to build, giving drier and brighter conditions across much of Scotland this weekend, although showers will continue across western parts.
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