North-east on weather alert as high tides and strong winds set to batter region

A red flood alert has been issued for the North-east today as fierce winds and high tides are set to batter the region.

Roads were shut across the region today as drifting snow also battered areas.

The A93 Braemar to Cairnwell road, the B974 Banchory to Fettercairn road and the A97 Lumsden to Rhynie road were all closed due to the weather conditions.

Warnings were also put out over the safety of those driving on the A952 between Toll of Birness and Mintlaw and on the B9077 between South Deeside Road and Leggart Terrace.

Sandbags have been handed out to vulnerable residents in areas across Aberdeenshire.

Flood defence materials were handed out in the High Shore area of Macduff and neighbouring Scotstown.

Pallets of sandbags were laid out in Banff and Fraserburgh.

The flooding risk was expected to be at its highest between noon and 1pm today.

An Aberdeenshire Council spokeswoman said: “Sepa has issued a flood warning for the Macduff and Portsoy area.

“The flood duty officer is monitoring the situation and will liaise with the winter operations control room regarding any action which needs to be taken.”

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) warned low-lying areas between Portsoy and Macduff on the Banffshire coast were the areas most at risk.

A spokesman said: “A combination of high tides and prevailing weather conditions means that flooding from wave overtopping and spray is expected to affect low lying land, roads and properties along the Moray Firth.

“Remain vigilant and remember, it is your responsibility to take actions which help protect yourself and your property.”

Chief Inspector Kevin Wallace of Police Scotland added: “We will continue to monitor the situation and take action when and where necessary.

“We would advise the public to monitor local weather forecasts from the Met Office and Sepa to keep up to date with the latest information.”

Fraserburgh’s lifeboat coxswain Victor Sutherland added: “One of the biggest issues is animals getting washed off beaches and cliff tops. If owners try to help they may also get into trouble.”