Flood warnings hit second highest ever level in 2024, data shows

The number of flood warnings issued in Scotland hit their second highest ever level in modern times last year, according to a group working to highlight the impact of climate change.

Round Our Way calculated the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) issued a total of 870 flood warnings or alerts in 2024 using data obtained by Freedom of Information legislation.

The total comprised 346 alerts, 521 warnings and three severe warnings, which Round Our Way worked out was the equivalent to two every day or 17 each week.

The number is the second highest since current records began, surpassed only in 2020 when a total of 966 warnings and alerts were issued.

Sepa has issued 8,141 flood alerts and warnings across Scotland in the last 14 years, including 3,385 alerts, 4,727 warnings and 29 severe warnings, according to Round Our Way.

Co-director Sofie Jenkinson said: “Scots are having to deal with the consequences of flooding in their homes, their businesses and important local services due to the increased rain we are seeing as a consequence of climate change.

“We need to see increased preparedness in Scotland and across the UK for extreme weather events including crucial maintenance of the drain network but we also need urgent action to tackle the causes of increased heavy rain, which will continue to wreak havoc in our communities.”

Meteorologist Gemma Plumb said: “Climate change is making our weather more extreme and this is having a real impact on people’s lives.

“Across Scotland and the UK as a whole we have already seen climate change bring more intense rainfall and this brings the greater risk of flooding.

“We are now seeing that rainfall associated with autumn and winter storms in the UK is becoming more intense and more likely.”