THE impact of the lengthy thunderstorms overnight led to many impacts on life throughout the local area and a need for flaring at the Fife Ethylene Plant.

There were also many roads blocked with floodwater and it led to some schools not being able to take pupils today.

Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath MP, Neale Hanvey commented on the flaring at Mossmorran that began last night with ExxonMobil informing the community that the extreme weather conditions, and associated electrical impacts, that brought disruption to much of Fife impacted on the processes at Mossmorran, resulting in elevated flaring to ensure the plant’s safety and operational procedures.

Neale Hanvey said: “Amidst the thunderstorm last night, there was a need for elevated flaring at Mossmorran.

“Whilst this is regrettable, we must remember that short-term elevated flaring is an important safety measure and as I understand it, flaring was initiated in line with safety and operational procedures".

He added: “The impact of last night’s storm has led to significant disruption this morning – as we’ve seen from the scenes at Pettycur Bay and Victoria Hospital car park, among others. And Mossmorran is no different.

“The job now, at Mossmorran, and across Fife, is to tackle the damage caused by the flooding, lightning strikes and their impact on water and electricity supplies.

“Both Shell and ExxonMobil have been in touch to update me on this developing situation.

“On a positive note, Exxon advised me of their request for pre-planning application advice to Fife Council. This relates to their plans to instal a new enclosed ground flare at Mossmorran, which should significantly reduce the need for elevated flaring in future".

“As promised, I will continue to monitor the situation at Mossmorran and keep constituents updated.”