A FLOOD ALERT has been issued for Orkney.

On Thursday through into Friday, slow moving, heavy thundery showers could combine with longer spells of rain and this may cause flooding impacts. Flooding could occur due to excess surface water and flooding from small rivers and watercourses. Due to the localised nature of the heaviest showers, not all locations in the area will be affected.

The onset of flooding could be very fast where the heaviest downpours occur. Particularly at risk are any built up areas and the transport network, where flooding to properties or parts of communities, low-lying land and roads and associated disruption to travel could occur.

Extra care should be taken if spending time in the outdoors on or near watercourses as water levels could rise rapidly.

Remain vigilant and remember, it is your responsibility to take actions which help protect yourself and your property.  Advice and information is also available through Floodline on 0345 9881188.  This FLOOD ALERT is now in force until further notice and was sent by phone and sms free of charge to registered customers of our Floodline direct warning service.  If you haven’t already signed up to receive free flood messages, please call Floodline or register online at sepa.org.uk/floodingsignup.

Your Floodline quick dial number for this area is 22500