On December 29, 2015, Scotland began to feel the effects of Storm Frank. Here’s how events unfolded
December 29
Met Office issues yellow warning for Grampian. 65mph winds and gusts of up to 80mph and rainfall of up to 120mm are predicted.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) issues a flood alert.
December 30
Torrential rain hits the region, with Ballater, Braemar and Aboyne worst affected.
In the morning, more than 100 people are evacuated from homes in Ballater after the Dee bursts its bank at the village’s golf club.
Around 1,700 households across Aberdeenshire are left without electricity.
By noon, Ballater is closed off with the A93 submerged around the village.
By 2pm widespread flooding is reported along the length of the River Dee, including Aboyne, Kincardine O’Neil, Banchory and Braemar.
The A93 Ballater to Braemar road is washed away at Micras. The Invercauld Bridge is closed to traffic. Maryculter Bridge is shut due to damage.
In Aberdeen, Riverside Drive and Bridge of Dee Court sheltered housing complex are evacuated.
A multi-agency rescue effort converges on unauthorised travellers site, North Esk Park, near St Cyrus amid fears it may flood.
Despite surge at the River North Esk, the site does not flood.
December 31
Polhillock and Cambus O’May footbridges closed due to extensive damage.
January 3, 2016
Abergeldie Castle, on the banks of the Dee, is left teetering on the brink as the riverbank around it floods.
Flooding reported across Garioch due to persistent, heavy rainfall.
Rest centres in Inverurie Academy and Kintore Village Hall open up.
January 4
In Port Elphinstone, 12 properties are flooded after water enters the foundations of homes.
Further flooding hits Maryculter from the River Dee, with the Deeside Holiday Park flooding for the second time.
January 7
Sepa predicts flooding in Inverurie and Kintore and re-establishes the rest centres.
Later in the evening, the agency also predicts flooding in Kemnay and a third rest centre is set up in the village.
Properties in Inverurie, Port Elphinstone, Kemnay, Kintore, Premnay and Auchleven flood.
Sepa records its highest levels on record for the Don at Parkhill station and Haughton station.
Record levels are also reported on the River Ythan in Ellon.
January 8
Rest centre is set up at Ellon Academy Community Campus and place of safety established at Ellon’s Buchan Hotel.
Across the Formartine area, 108 residential properties and 10 businesses flood – 63 and three, respectively, in the Ellon area.
Flooding is also recorded in Newburgh, Methlick, Pitmedden, Fyvie, Rothienorman, Udny, Oldmeldrum, Tarves, Potterton and Turriff.
January 9
River Deveron and Tarland Burn break their banks, leading to flooding in Alford and Tarland.
