Flood warning as Storm Eleanor hits

Strong winds may coincide with high tide

Residents of coastal towns in south-west Scotland have been warned of the danger of flooding.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) said it was particularly concerned about communities around the Solway Firth.

It said the danger was posed by high tide - at around midnight - combined with strong winds.

Sepa has issued flood warnings and said the risk would last until Wednesday afternoon.

Duty hydrology manager Vincent Fitzsimons said: "The peak of the flooding is expected around high-tide midnight tonight, and then again early afternoon on Wednesday.

"The key concern is for a cluster of communities between the Isle of Whithorn and Kirkcudbright.

"In these areas we are expecting coastal flooding of properties, roads and other infrastructure."

Other areas being monitored by Sepa include Ayrshire and Arran, the Moray Firth and areas around the inner Firth of Forth.

The Met Office forecasters has raised the level of its weather warning concerning the hazard posed by Storm Eleanor.

The areas most affected, including those close to the Solway coast, are now subject to an amber warning.

It said: "Along west-facing coasts, injuries and danger to life is likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, seafronts and properties."

Sepa issued a map highlighting the areas at risk

Storm Eleanor comes just days after Storm Dylan, which was at its height on Hogmanay.

The Met Office said: "Storm Eleanor continues to develop and will move eastwards during Tuesday evening and there is now increased confidence of a spell of very strong winds affecting southern counties of Northern Ireland, which will then move eastwards across parts of southern Scotland and northern England overnight before clearing into the North Sea early on Wednesday morning.

"Gusts of 70 mph are likely quite widely, and 80-90 mph gusts are possible along exposed Irish Sea coasts."