Dundee Overgate Flooding: What We Still Don't Know About the Mall's Rapid Shutdown

The Overgate Shopping Centre in Dundee was evacuated on Thursday afternoon after a sudden thunderstorm caused flash flooding on the ground floor. Shoppers were told to leave at as hail and rainwater poured into the mall's main entrances.

The incident, which occurred in the heart of the city, was linked to an intense burst of weather that overwhelmed the local drainage system. The centre remained closed for the rest of the day while clean-up operations began.

From Sunshine to Evacuation in Minutes

Witnesses reported that the weather changed rapidly, with hailstones up to the size of a £1 coin falling during the heaviest part of the storm, as reported by BBC.

According to STV News, the manager of Overgate, Malcolm Angus, described the downpour like 'six months of rain fell in ten minutes.'

Within minutes, water began entering the shopping centre from the front ramps, quickly pooling on the ground floor. Shoppers were instructed to leave around 16:15 BST, and the building was closed to the public soon after.

What We Know From Overgate Management and Authorities

Angus explained that the mall's drainage system is connected to the wider city drainage network, which became overwhelmed during the storm, forcing water back into the building.

Local authorities confirmed that the flooding was caused by a sudden downpour during a thunderstorm that passed over Dundee on Thursday afternoon. No injuries were reported, and emergency crews were not required for rescues inside the Overgate.

However, officials did not provide an estimate of the damage costs or specify how long some affected stores may remain closed.

What Remains Unclear About the Shutdown

While the broad cause of the flooding has been explained, several details remain unclear. Overgate management has not confirmed the number of stores impacted by water damage or the full extent of the clean-up operation. It is also unknown whether any previous flooding incidents at the site had prompted preventative upgrades to the drainage system.

Some retailers may not reopen immediately, but as of Thursday evening, no official list of affected stores had been released. There has also been no indication from the shopping centre or local authorities about whether further drainage assessments will be carried out.

A City Centre Under Water

The flooding at Overgate coincided with surface water flooding elsewhere in Dundee. Video footage shared on social media showed water cascading down city streets and pooling in low-lying areas.

Several vehicles became trapped in the floodwater, and parts of the city centre experienced significant disruption.

The Met Office had issued a thunderstorm weather warning covering Dundee and much of Scotland until 22:00 on Thursday. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) had also warned of possible localised flooding from surface water, with risks to properties, roads and infrastructure.

Why Short Bursts of Heavy Rain Are a Growing Problem

Thursday's incident highlights how short-duration, high-intensity storms can overwhelm urban drainage systems. Meteorologists note that such weather events have been occurring more frequently in recent years, with older drainage infrastructure often unable to cope with the volume of water.

Similar flash flooding events have affected other towns and cities across Scotland, leading to calls for improved drainage capacity and flood-prevention measures in urban areas. For Dundee, the Overgate incident may prompt further examination of how well the city is prepared for sudden, severe weather.