Here’s the latest about weather problems in Aberdeenshire:
The continuing rain continues to have an impact across Aberdeenshire, and tonight particular focus is being placed on Inverurie and Kintore, where flooding is likely tonight.
Weather and flood warnings remain at amber for Aberdeenshire as response and recovery efforts continue in communities across the area. Strong south-easterly winds are leading to waves of up to nine metres along the north-east coast, particularly around the Peterhead area.
Overnight into Sunday there were numerous local flooding incidents across Aberdeenshire, including at Inverurie, Oldmeldrum, Methlick and Newmachar.
Many hundreds of sandbags have been made available to communities at various locations across Aberdeenshire to allow residents to protect their properties.
As the day has progressed, concern has risen for both Inverurie and Kintore and the council has been preparing rest centres at Inverurie Academy and Kintore Public Hall for opening from 10pm as a precautionary measure.
At Kintore, there is a risk of flooding at the B977, surrounding agricultural land and low-lying areas near the river. Moving into tomorrow, there is a risk of flooding to Castle Hill and Kingsfield Road as river levels are expected to continue to rise.
At Inverurie, the River Don level is close to the top of the flood embankment at the football fields upstream of the B933. Low-lying areas near the River Urie and River Don are at risk of flooding overnight as water levels rise.
Council employees have already volunteered to support the running of the both rest centres.
As recovery continues in those communities already hit by flooding, British Telecom has been active in Braemar today and successfully re-established telephone connections to the town, which is a welcome relief for the community. Work was also being undertaken to repair sagging phone cables along the A93.
There is an increased presence by a number of agencies in Braemar, and a short, daily bulletin for residents is being shared locally.
The A93 south of Braemar remains open, providing access to Blairgowrie and beyond and a section of the road is currently under a single-lane restriction. Engineers form Perth and Kinross Council inspected the site yesterday and carried out some initial repair works, and further work will take place on Tuesday with the aim of re-opening two-way traffic.
The old Dee Bridge, through the Balmoral Estate, remains open to pedestrians and will be lit at night, and as of today the bridge will be open to emergency vehicles if required.
Engineers continue to assess the condition of the Invercauld road bridge on the A93, which is currently unsafe for use by vehicles or pedestrians. If there is no further damage, it is hoped that repairs can begin as soon as river levels drop, with the aim of reopening in around two to three weeks.
In Ballater, 18 people remained in the rest centre at the Victoria Barracks overnight into Sunday. Accommodation has been identified for all who need it, but some of this will not be available until Tuesday as carpeting and white goods needs to be installed in some cases. Some response staff have also been staying in the barracks overnight.
Significant efforts were made yesterday to bolster flood defences at Ballater through the use of around 850 one-tonne sandbags on the west side of the village, in anticipation of a possible rise in river levels.
Road closures
• A93 Invercauld Bridge: Long-term closure. Alternative for vehicular traffic is via Blairgowrie. Pedestrian and bicycle access will be established via the old Dee Bridge. There is NO ACCESS from Tomintoul into Braemar.
• A93, two miles east of Crathie: Road washed out 30 December 2015, resulting in long term closure. Alternative route between Ballater and Crathie via B976 South Deeside Road.
• Minor road between Mill of Steirn at Birkhall to Ballater: Closed long-term due to damage.
• B974 Cairn o Mount to Strachan; Feughside Inn to Cairn o’ Mount; B976 between Aboyne Bridge and Dinnet Bridge; and the Strachan to Slug Road: Closed due to flooding.
• B9077 South Deeside Road between Leggart Terrace and the junction with the B979.
• A937 at Marykirk: Closed.
• B977 Fintray to Kintore.
Aberdeen City Council has sandbags available from its West Tullos depot for residents who require them.
UPDATE FROM POLICE SCOTLAND
Chief Inspector Richard Craig said: “We continue to work with a number of agencies to prepare for further bad weather in addition to supporting the recovery from Storm Frank.
“It is vital that motorists adhere to road closure signs as these are there to protect the public. A number of roads have suffered structural damage and ignoring the closures is reckless and irresponsible and puts you at risk as well as the emergency services.
“We are also advising the public to stay away from flooded areas and river banks as water levels are expected to rise again as the rain continues over the next few days. River banks are also likely to be unstable due to the high levels of water and continued rain.
“Officers remain in Braemar and Crathie and the public are advised to speak to them or attend at the police station in Braemar if they need the emergency services.”