A major search operation was launched after a woman was swept away in a river amid severe weather warnings.
The person was reportedly swept away into the flooded River Don in north east Scotland.
The area has been battered by rain and wind today with a severe weather warning in place across many areas.
Police and the coastguard launched a search in the Monymusk area of Aberdeenshire at around 3.20pm today.
However, after an assessment of the river conditions during high winds and heavy rains, the search was temporarily halted this evening.
It has been suggested that the woman may have been trying to rescue a dog at the time, as reported by Sky News, though these reports are currently unconfirmed.
A spokesman for Aberdeen Costguard confirmed that a "police-lead" search was underway in the area, AberdeenLive reports.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 3.05pm on Friday, 18 November, police were called to the River Don near to Monymusk following a report of concern for a woman in the water. Police and Emergency Services attended and searches were carried out.
"Following assessments of the river conditions, the search has been stood down for the evening. Police enquiries are ongoing.”
A helicopter had been circling the area in search of the person as the area faces flood warnings.
The level of flooding hasn't been seen in the region since Storm Frank in late 2015 to early 2016.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) issued the following advice to residentss, adding that the highest risk is to riverside communities in parts of Aberdeenshire and Angus: "Take action now. Stay away from flood water and do not take unnecessary risks.
“Remain vigilant and remember, it is your responsibility to take actions which help protect yourself and your property.”
An amber warning for rain has been issued by the Met Office for that area, with an ongoing chance of flooding and travel disruption for many.
The warning has been extended until 9pm tonight.
There are also five severe flood warnings - the highest level possible - in place.
In some of the affected areas, refuge centres have been created to keep residents safe.
Road maps of closures due to floods have been circulated and rest centres will open in Ballater, Aboyne, Inverurie and Kemnay for those needing help and who are unable to stay in their homes.
Scotrail has advised against travel between some of its stations this evening.
According to BBC Weather, Aboyne recorded more than a month's worth of rain in the past 48 hours.
And due to the severe weather, Scottish Government’s resilience arrangements have been activated.
Power cuts have affected Inverurie, Kintore, Stonehaven, Portlethen and Hatton of Fintray and other locations, with reports that internet is down for many.
Caravans have been evacuated at Ballater caravan park too.
There has also been localised flooding in some parts of Edinburgh, with pictures showing the Crewe Toll roundabout in the west of the city submerged under water.
On the bleak weather forecast, Met Office Chief Meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said: “Bands of rain associated with this low-pressure will be heavy in places and will bring with it the potential for some flooding and travel disruption.
“The heaviest rain has been gradually moving north over the last few days, with warnings issued. Parts of eastern of Scotland are likely to see between 50 and 70 mm of rain, with in excess of 100 mm possible across the hills of Angus and Aberdeenshire.
"Coupled with this system are some strong winds, with gusts of around 50 mph possible along coasts.
“The heaviest rain will relent late on Friday for those in the north and east, although it will leave behind some lighter rain for a time on Saturday.”
This evening, justice secretary and lead minister for resilience, Keith Brown, chaired a meeting of the Scottish Government's resilience committee.
He urged members of the public to "take extra care" if they are out and about and not to attempt to walk or drive through flood water.
"The Scottish Government's resilience arrangements have been activated to ensure preparations and appropriate measures are in place, and we will continue to monitor the situation over the course of the weekend," Mr Brown added.
"We are in close contact with resilience partners, local authorities and the emergency services to ensure people in the affected areas receive the latest information, advice and support where needed."
Vincent Fitzsimons, flood duty manager for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa), said: "Heavy and persistent rain overnight has led to significant increases in river levels across the east of Scotland.
"We have seen almost a month's worth of rain in some parts already this week and we are expecting around the same again over the course of Friday and Saturday in parts of north east Scotland.
"The highest risk is to riverside communities in parts of Aberdeenshire and Angus, with Severe Flood Warnings already issued.
"The worst impacts will occur between early Friday afternoon and early Saturday morning. We are working 24/7 with the Met Office and with information from Sepa's gauge network to review the flood predictions for these communities and others. This will continue until the risk is over.
"Sepa is working with emergency response partners in the areas most at risk to help them prepare and to focus support to those communities who need it most.
"People living and working in affected areas are advised to plan their essential journeys and consider the steps they need to take now to be prepared and to stay safe. They can also keep updated on floodline.sepa.org.uk."
