The town of Brechin in Scotland is facing evacuation as extraordinary rainfall associated with Storm Babet poses a significant threat to flood defenses in the area.
Around 400 homes in Brechin have been issued evacuation orders by Angus Council as the rain continues to fall, putting properties at risk of flooding.
The Met Office has issued a red weather warning for rain and wind, covering an area from southern Aberdeenshire and Angus to the outskirts of Dundee and Perth.
During this severe weather event, fast-flowing or deep floodwater presents a risk to life, and extensive flooding to homes, businesses, and landslides are possible.
The red weather warning is in effect from 18:00 on Thursday until noon on Friday, with the storm forecasted to bring approximately 220mm of rain to some parts of eastern Scotland. This amount is close to the highest recorded 24-hour rainfall for a single day.
Additionally, there have been reports of strong winds causing trees to fall on several roads. Due to the hazardous conditions, Police Scotland advises people to avoid travel in the areas under the red warning.
Rest centers have been established to provide support for evacuated residents, with requests for vulnerable residents being given extra attention.
Transportation services have been disrupted in the affected areas due to canceled train and bus services, and driving conditions are treacherous due to spray and flooded roads.
SSEN, an electricity provider for northern Scotland, has reported widespread power outages in the region. Gas, water, and mobile phone services could also be affected, potentially isolating some communities for several days.
Areas in the midst of the storm were already soaked after significant flooding earlier this month.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency flood unit manager, Pascal Lardet, highlighted that the Brechin area is a particular concern, given its history of severe flooding. Water levels in this Angus town, which is home to approximately 7,000 residents, are predicted to reach the top of the flood defenses, with a significant risk that water spilling over could lead to rapid inundation in surrounding areas.
Authorities advise residents to protect themselves and their property, exercise caution around floodwater, and refrain from walking or driving through it. They also remind the public of the potential dangers of floodwater and its capacity to move vehicles and knock people off their feet.
With more than a month's worth of average rainfall predicted within 24 hours, the situation remains critical. The ground in many of the affected areas remains saturated from record-breaking rainfall earlier this month. An exceptionally wet period between January 17, 1974, and January 18, 1974, in Argyll and Bute saw 238mm of rain recorded at Sloy Main Adit, setting the record for the highest one-day rainfall in Scotland.
As the situation unfolds, authorities are urging people to stay safe and heed their advice during this severe weather event. Photo by Gordon Hatton, Wikimedia commons.