Flood-hit communities face more of the same – plus snow

It comes as Storm Frank brought more heavy rain and strong winds to already stricken areas.

The ESB also maintained water discharges from Parteen Weir on the River Shannon and Inniscarra Dam on the River Lee amid warnings releases may have to be increased if there is a continued build-up of water levels on Lough Derg and the Inniscarra and Carrigadrohid reservoirs.

Scotland bore the brunt of severe weather on Wednesday which left people stranded, in temporary accommodation and without electricity.

Leon Brown, forecaster for The Weather Channel UK, said Britain is about to become the target for more heavy rain, fierce winds and snow.

The Met Office said: “Up to around 50mm is possible on the highest parts of Dartmoor and the Brecon Beacons”.

“This rain is not expected to be as intense as recently, however the persistence of the rainfall will allow large accumulations to build up, particularly across eastern Scotland where ground remains saturated”. Areas like Callander, Perth, Deeside and Spey areas will continue to see rising levels throughout the day and some will not peak until the 31st.“However from Friday the situation should start to improve for everyone.“We would urge people to keep a close eye on Met Office forecasts and on SEPAs flood updates page which can be found at http://floodline.sepa.org.uk/floodupdates/.

Huge pumps and fire hoses are being used to disperse the flood water, left several feet deep in the fields around the village.

Still flood warnings remain around the River Ouse in York a city visited by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn:”We’re faced with awful floods, we as a society have got to invest in flood defences. There are still flood risks but the rain is not quite as torrential as we have been having”. Whilst most showers at low levels will be of rain, they will turn to snow locally in heavier bursts.

Police said the body of a kayaker missing during the storms had been recovered from the River Findhorn in Moray.

And a 36-year-old canoeist died after falling into the River Garry near Invergarry, south of Loch Ness, on Thursday afternoon.

Members of the public can also call Floodline on 0345 988 1188.” Notes to editors The Scottish Governments resilience arrangements are now running 24/7 and will provide Ministers with regular updates.

About 3,000 homes and businesses remain without power in the wake of Storm Frank and some of the worst flooding in decades. We remain vigilant to the ongoing risks. I am in constant contact with the relevant ministers.

Business groups pointed out the fund was established to support flood-hit communities after Storm Desmond struck on December 5.

“I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in these efforts over the last few weeks, including local authorities, emergency services and other responders”.

Miller’s hometown of Ballater has been badly affected by Storm Frank.

Engineers are working to fix the problem, which has resulted in the local loss of the 999 service.

A further two people were taken off the bus by officers from Police Scotland’s marine unit.

“The BT vehicle in Braemar is placed in the square, Marr Road”.