Large waves and flooding to hit Stonehaven and Fraserburgh as public urged to avoid coast

An updated flood warning has been issued for Stonehaven and Fraserburgh with the public urged to avoid the waterfront areas.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has warned of large waves and flooding impacting low lying land, roads and properties along Cowie Boatie Row in Stonehaven and Moray Firth from Rosehearty to Fraserburgh.

A combination of high tides and prevailing weather conditions mean that wave overtopping and flooding from the sea is expected.

The greatest risk will be around the time of high tide around 2.15pm in Fraserburgh and 3.15pm in Stonehaven.

Seaweed and driftwood were left strewn along the streets as a result of the severe weather on Saturday night.

Aberdeenshire Council has said the Harbour area remains closed and have urged the public to avoid the area until at least Wednesday to allow teams to remove debris.

An Aberdeenshire Council spokesperson said: “As a result of the high tides and strong onshore winds over the last 48 hours, a significant amount of wave overtopping occurred along the coast at Stonehaven, from the Harbour northwards to Cowie.

“In the interests of public safety, the Harbour area was closed and remains closed. Roads around the esplanade were also closed over the past two days.

“Clear up of significant quantities of shingle and other debris is underway and will continue for the next day or so. During that time, we will carry out inspections to ascertain any damage to infrastructure around the harbour and along the promenade.

“Members of public should avoid areas of the harbour and surrounding coastal roads until at least Wednesday this week to allow teams to remove debris and ensure a return to safe conditions.

“Do not travel to take photos or video of the area as it may result in further delays and endanger individuals, property, and vehicles. Should any areas remain unsafe, these will be barriered off and we ask that such barriers be respected by all.”

STV meteorologist Sean Batty commented: “There was a new moon on Friday and it’s after this and a full moon that tide become particularly high and if combined with a storm surge and strong winds can lead to coastal issues. This was of course the case along the east coast this weekend with high tides coinciding with a strong easterly.

“Tides around the country continue to be higher than average at the moment, but winds are now more of a westerly meaning and issue in the east should be minor today. The west facing coasts would be more susceptible to larger waves today with blustery westerly winds.”