Shetland Islands Council is working to clear drains across Lerwick after heavy rain caused widespread flooding that forced multiple businesses to shut their doors and lose stock. According to BBC News, the downpour affected cafes, restaurants and shops around Commercial Street and Esplanade, with one worker describing the rain as "biblical". The flooding comes as the region braces for Storm Boelo's arrival over the weekend, with yellow wind warnings already in place.
The deluge was severe enough that water entered buildings within seconds. Staff at affected premises reported losing stock and having to cancel services, while the local authority also urged drivers to exercise caution on roads affected by the weather.
Johnny Sandison, who works at the Lerwick Brewery, witnessed the intensity of the rainfall firsthand.
It was biblical. It was probably the heaviest rain I have ever seen in Shetland in my life. When the cars were going past on the road, you could see these massive waves were coming up above the height of the cars themselves.
The impact on the hospitality sector was particularly acute. Kenneth Hughson, a chef at The Dowry restaurant, described how rapidly the water entered the building.
Within thirty seconds the whole kitchen flash-flooded. Inside the door, the corridor, just everything. Two inches plus of water within seconds. We've lost a lot of stock, I mean the floors are soaked.
Beauty 109, located on Commercial Street, was among the businesses forced to take action. Owner Kirsty Semple explained the situation:
It just started pouring in. We had five towels up against door and it was just not stopping. The drains outside were lifting up and overflowing. I panicked and had to cancel a few clients this afternoon.
Which businesses have closed?
Several Lerwick businesses announced temporary closures following the flooding damage. According to Shetland News, iCare Shetland, The Nomadic Pizzeria and The Noost bar all announced they would close on Thursday because of the damage sustained.
Where else was affected?
The flooding extended beyond the initial Commercial Street and Esplanade areas. Damage was reported at the Market Cross, Co-op roundabout and North Road, with Shetland News noting that council workers were clearing drains at Veensgarth brae and on the road north out of Lerwick. The council supplied sandbags on request around the Esplanade and Harrison Square, where high tides compounded the flooding problem.
What weather warnings are in place?
The flooding precedes the arrival of Storm Boelo, which is expected to bring significant wind and rain to the region. A yellow wind warning for Orkney and Shetland is in effect from 18:00 BST on Saturday 24 October until 21:00 GMT on Sunday 25 October. Storm Austen, which preceded Boelo, was forecast to bring 20–40mm of rain across parts of Scotland on Friday, with 60–80mm possible in some locations, according to ITV News, raising the risk of further flooding and travel disruption.
What happens next?
Shetland Islands Council continues its drain-clearing operations as the region prepares for the consecutive storms. Residents and business owners are advised to take precautions ahead of the yellow wind warning period beginning on Saturday evening.
