By Dave Lord and Chris Hardy

THOUSANDS OF Perthshire residents were yesterday urged to take precautions to protect themselves and their homes as torrential rain threatened widespread devastation.

The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) issued 10 flood warnings and motorists faced treacherous conditions.

With the Rivers Earn, Lyon and Tummel all dangerously swollen, SEPA warned residents to “prepare to evacuate.”

Meanwhile a “severe” flood warning was issued for the River Isla from Bridge of Ruthven to the River Tay.

SEPA warned the situation was so bad that lives could be at risk.

A spokesman said last night, “River levels in the River Isla from Bridge of Ruthven to Coupar Angus are high following the persistent and heavy rain during Sunday.

“There is a serious danger to life and property. Act now to protect yourself, your family and your home or business.”

Officials also told those at risk to place sandbags, saying the rain was a risk to thousands.

One Perth motorist described driving conditions as “terrifying.”

He said, “I drove from Perth to Stanley with my family for a children’s party and although the A9 itself was not too badly affected the more local routes were absolutely treacherous.

“The B9099 close to Stanley was flooded in several different places—the water seemed to be well over a foot deep and it was pretty terrifying to be honest.”

Late last night there were reports that homes in Guildtown and Aberfeldy had been affected by flooding.

Perth and Kinross Council were delivering sandbags to the worst-hit areas.

Meanwhile motorists were warned to avoid unnecessary journeys.

Among the worst-hit routes was the A93 Perth to Blairgowrie road, where the combination of flood waters and a fallen tree at Cargill were causing major problems.

The M90 northbound near Milnathort was flooded and passable only with caution.

Outlying areas were equally badly affected, with many rural roads virtually impassable.

In Angus and the Mearns major roads were closed, railway travel was disrupted and homes were flooded.

Late last night the rain eased but water levels continued to rise after a day which saw vehicles swept away, rivers burst their banks, communities cut off, homes flooded and drivers abandon their vehicles.

On the A90 cars were abandoned on Laurencekirk bypass as water flooded across the dual carriageway at the foot of the Garvock Road.

The A92 was closed between Johnshaven and St Cyrus, the A90 at Forfar was reduced to one carriageway in both directions and the A933 Forfar Road in Arbroath was closed, with police warning that many others were closed or dangerous.

Flood water coming off the fields swept away a car in Burnside Place in the Ferryden area of Montrose.

In Montrose Street, Brechin, several homes near the Drumachlie Loan junction were flooded and at Burghill Road water coming off the fields made driving dangerous.

People in Rosewell Road in Maryton, Kirriemuir, reported major flooding and drivers were forced to abandon their vehicles near Condor, outside Arbroath.

A one-mile stretch leading into Arbroath had to be closed, and on the A92 Dundee to Arbroath road there was severe flooding in both directions at the Monifieth turn-off.

Carnoustie was one of the worst-hit areas with severe flooding at the junction of High Street and Station Road. The road was closed and businesses flooded.

For some it was their third flood in 12 months while others were experiencing it for the first time.

Angus Council roads department issued sandbags as residents waited for what the night might throw at them.

Stuart Christie, of MacDonald Smith Drive, watched his garden disappear and garage flood, and called on the council to survey the drainage system.

He said, “Last February a letter from Angus Council stated they would address the problem—nothing has been done.”

Councillors Helen Oswald and Ralph Palmer were on the streets when the Lochty Burn overflowed and the Barry Burn was within six inches of breaching its banks.

Mrs Oswald said, “It is an absolute nightmare. If the Barry Burn overflows it will be a major emergency.”

Rail passengers between Aberdeen and Arbroath were also affected, with First ScotRail cancelling its services.

Customers were advised not to travel as alternative buses could not be organised.

The 5.15pm service from Edinburgh to Dundee was also cancelled and other services were subject to delays.