Stormy weather continued to batter the north-east yesterday with more than 20 roads forced to close due to severe flooding.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) issued multiple flood and rain warnings for the Grampian region as the heavens opened again.
Despite Aberdeen City Council’s decision to re-open the Christmas market yesterday morning, many other communities suffered problems and, by lunchtime, there were 20 localised floods.
The authority stated that Baillieswells Road was “almost impassable,” adding that the Kingswells to Bucksburn road was also “completely flooded.”
Other areas affected included Balgownie Road, Clifton Road and Smithfield Drive.
A council spokeswoman said: “Our staff are out across the city trying to unblock drains and clear the flood water in difficult weather conditions, so we’d ask motorists to slow down when driving near them.
“Motorists are also advised not to drive through flood water as they do not know the depth of the flood water, even if they are in a 4×4.”
Local farmers in Hatton of Fintray took to the streets to move a fallen tree, which had caused significant power cuts the night before.
The wind also wreaked havoc on the A90’s Muchalls bend, with drivers forced to dodge debris which was scattered on the road – including a lost lorry roof, blown into the north-bound lane.
On the AWPR, the weather caused a landslip on one of the new embankments built for the route beside the A92, around the Charlestown area.
A Transport Scotland spokesman said: “We are aware that there has been some localised topsoil movement at Charleston and understand this has not had any impact on the carriageway.
“The cause is being investigated by the contractor and will be remedied as part of the ongoing finishing works.”
This time last year, the north-east was hit with a different sort of weather barrage.
On November 30, pupils enjoyed a surprise day off when a wintry blast of weather forced dozens of schools to close.
A Met Office spokeswoman said: “Today, some snow will find itself on hilltops, but it is unlikely it will spread further down.
“Although the north-east will see hail, continued blustery winds and maybe the odd rumble of thunder.
“The weekend will bring further rain, which will likely last till Monday, but it is looking like a cold snap will bring brighter days and sunnier spells to the region.”
