People still struggling to cope with the aftermath of the extensive flooding throughout Moray last week are stealing themselves for another onslaught today.
Forecasters say that the region is set for gale force winds and more torrential rain storms, with most areas already casting wary eyes on downpours that hit parts the region on Sunday.
A Met Office spokesman said: “A deep low in the North Sea will slowly move away eastwards on Monday.
“Gusts as strong as 50mph are expected around exposed coasts and waves will be large. While such wind gusts would not be unusual in the autumn and winter, they are likely to pose greater risks in what is still the summer holiday period for some – especially those engaged in outdoor activities.”
Downpours in Hopeman left several streets under water again on Sunday afternoon while the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) issued another amber flood alert for Findhorn, Nairn, Moray and Speyside.
A spokesman said: “The River Spey in its lower reaches is rising due to the showery conditions experienced throughout Sunday and with further showers forecast for overnight, levels could rise further.
“At present although levels are generally rising, no other areas within the region are at risk from flooding. SEPA will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as appropriate.”
Meanwhile Moray Council has said they will hold a public meeting with residents in Dallas to discuss their needs after over 20 homes were flooded out in last weeks storm.
A council spokesman said: “We are making arrangements to meet the residents of Dallas to gather information, listen to their views and hear from them first-hand how events unfolded last Monday in the hope that lessons can be learned which may prove useful in the future.”
However, several local residents say that the major issue they are now facing is worries over if insurance companies will pay out. A spokesman for the local rifle club said: “It turns out that the only thing we did not have insurance for was flooding.”
Charles Gerrie, 68, is currently providing a temporary home for his daughter Emma, son-in-law John and their three children after they were forced from their home by the floods.
He said: “There is still no word from the insurance about if they are going to pay for it or not – it is near a nightmare to understand what the insurance companies mean.
“When John took out the policy there was no mention of distance from the river – now they are saying you have to be a quarter-of-a-mile away from a water source. I don’t think there is a house in Dallas that is not less than a quarter-mile away from the river.”
Roads Update
The B9136 is closed between junction in Glenlivet and the junction in Wester Fodderletter (flooding and repairs).
B9012 School Road in Hopeman closed between the Forsyth Street junction and the Golf Road junction (flooding and subsidence. A diversion is in place).