Ayrshire village suffers flooding misery as River Garnock bursts its banks

Locals in a North Ayrshire village are facing up to a flash-flooding nightmare they last witnessed 12 years ago.

Residents of Glengarnock are preparing a huge clean up operation after Tuesday’s torrential rain.

Local councillor Donald Reid took to Facebook earlier to warn locals of ‘major flooding’ all around the area.

He posted a series of shock photos on social media highlighting the extent of the damage and high water levels.

They showed flooded streets impassable by cars and high water levels up the side of buildings in the village centre.

The village was struck by huge downpours in July 2008 when homes, businesses and shops were evacuated after the River Garnock burst its banks. (Clr Donald Reid)

Writing on Facebook, he said: “Just made it back having gone to Glengarnock to check on flooding issue. My advice is to AVOID this area because the Garnock has burst its banks and the water is steadily rising.

“In fact best not to drive at all if you can avoid it.”

Mr Reid, who spent an hour liaising with North Ayrshire Council roads department and the local police, added: “Travel is definitely not advised as it is still raining heavily and the river has burst its banks in several places..

“I have been advised that there is extensive flooding across North Ayrshire so the authorities are under real pressure and you can assist by simply not going out through flooded areas.”

Residents of Glengarnock are preparing a huge clean up operation after Tuesday’s torrential rain. (Clr Donald Reid)

The village was struck by huge downpours in July 2008 when homes, businesses and shops were evacuated after the River Garnock burst its banks.

Strathclyde Fire and Rescue were bombarded with calls reporting problems caused by the heavy rain in the village.

The flooding came after the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for Tuesday. (Clr Donald Reid)

The River Garnock runs for more than 20 miles from its source in Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park.

As well as Glengarnock, it passes through the towns of Kilbirnie, Dalry and Kilwinning to its junction with the River Irvine at Irvine Harbour.

The flooding came after the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for Tuesday.

The flooding happened after the River Garnock, that runs for more than 20 miles from its source in Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, burst its banks. (Clr Donald Reid)

Forecasters anticipated around 100mm of rainfall could potentially fall in some areas of the country.

Typically 120mm of rain falls during the entire of August in Scotland.

It comes after Scotland was hit with thunderstorms on Friday following scorching temperatures.