The north-east is on flooding red alert today as a potentially destructive cocktail of fierce winds and huge tides batters the region.
Sandbags have been handed out to vulnerable residents and emergency services have warned people to remain vigilant.
The flooding risk was expected to be at its highest around 1am today and again between noon-1pm today.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) warned that low-lying areas between Portsoy and Macduff on the Banffshire coast were most vulnerable to being swamped.
But other communities are also at risk.
A Sepa spokesman said: “A combination of high tides and prevailing weather conditions means that flooding from wave overtopping and spray is expected to affect low lying land, roads and properties along the Moray Firth.
“Remain vigilant and remember, it is your responsibility to take actions which help protect yourself and your property.”
Aberdeenshire Council started distributing sand bags last night.
Flood defence materials were handed out in the High Shore area of Macduff and at neighbouring Scotstown.
Pallets of sandbags were also laid out in Banff and Fraserburgh.
A council spokeswoman said: “Sepa has issued a flood warning for the Macduff and Portsoy area.
“The flood duty officer is monitoring the situation overnight and will liaise with the winter operations control room regarding any action which needs to be taken.”
Emergency crews were monitoring the situation throughout the night.
Chief Inspector Kevin Wallace said police were working with partner agencies to ensure a “swift and co-ordinated” response.
He added: “We will continue to monitor the situation closely in liaison with other agencies and take action when and where necessary.
“We would advise the public to monitor local weather forecasts from the Met Office and Sepa to keep up to date with the latest information.”
Fraserburgh’s lifeboat coxswain Victor Sutherland warned locals to stay away from coastal areas in case they were swept into the water.
Mr Sutherland said dog walkers and photographers trying to capture images of the dramatic weather were most at risk.
“During the high tides and strong winds people must be very aware on low-lying paths,” Mr Sutherland said.
“It’s easy to lose your footing even in a small amount of water.
“One of the biggest issues is animals getting washed off beaches and cliff tops. If owners try and help they may also get into trouble.”
He added that dog walkers should contact the coastguard if their animal gets into trouble.
The villages of Sandhaven and Pittulie were badly hit by flooding a year ago.
Fraserburgh man Shane Stephen helped family friend Obby Ronsberg repair damage to his home after it was swamped with water.
Last night Mr Stephen said Mr Ronsberg was preparing for the worst.
He said: “There’re sand bags at the ready and there’s been a pump put in place to pump any water out of the garden automatically before it enters the house.”
Stonehaven has also regularly been affected by flooding but last night the town was not on red alert.
Phil Mills-Bishop, chairman of Stonehaven Community Council, said: “There has been some snow in Stonehaven but the area does not seem to have been affected by the flooding so far.”
