Residents have been evacuated in parts of the North east of Scotland as further heavy rain brings water levels in some parts to an all-time high.

Motorists advised to make essential journeys only in areas of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, where some rivers have burst their banks.

Sever weather warnings are in place across the north east, with the Met Office warning of continued bad weather into Friday.

At Port Elphinstone in Inverurie, the River Don burst its banks and water flooded the streets and many nearby properties.

STV reporter Rachel Stewart was at the scene, and said the situation was "incredibly serious".

Many residents were evacuated and a rescue centre has been set up in a local school.

A A96 at Inverurie was also closed as flooding became more severe.

The river has reached the highest water level on record, according to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa).

Vulnerable people at three care homes have been transferred to alternative accommodation.

An Aberdeen City Council statement said: "Council officials have advised those living in lower residential areas close to the River Don, and in particular the Grandholm area, to seriously consider evacuating their homes as water levels continue to rise across the city.

"Residents are advised to seek shelter with friends and family where they can, or alternatively, a respite centre has been set up at the Bridge of Don Academy."

In Huntly residents have been evacuated from the Meadows Care Home near the River Deveron and flood barriers have been deployed in Stonehaven.

Rest centres have been set up at Inverurie Academy, Kintore Community Hall, and Mackie Academy in Stonehaven.

Rail travel has been affected between Aberdeen and Dundee, Inverurie and Inverness, and repairs are under way at Aberdeen Airport where "unprecedented excessive rainfall" has damaged a section of tarmac on the runway.

Departing flights are using a shortened runway and all arrivals have been cancelled for the remainder of Thursday.

An airport spokeswoman said: "Weather permitting, we anticipate full operations being available by tomorrow morning.

"We would advise any travelling passengers to check with their airline before attempting to travel to the airport, particularly with the current treacherous road conditions."

An Aberdeen City Council statement said: "Council officials have advised those living in lower residential areas close to the River Don, and in particular the Grandholm area, to seriously consider evacuating their homes as water levels continue to rise across the city.

"Residents are advised to seek shelter with friends and family where they can, or alternatively, a respite centre has been set up at the Bridge of Don Academy."

Deputy first minister John Swinney said: "The situation in Kintore and Inverurie and along the River Don in particular is extremely serious, with severe flood warnings now in place. The impact of this latest round of flooding is causing transport difficulties and putting properties at risk of flooding.

"The Scottish Government's resilience committee is monitoring the situation very closely and we have discussed the unfolding events and work to mitigate the impacts and ensure the safety of people in local communities."

Richard Brown, head of hydrology for Sepa, said water levels around the River Don in particular were "pretty exceptional".

He said earlier: "We have had a gauging station up at Alford for the last 42 years and it has exceeded anything we have ever recorded.

"We don't expect river levels to peak until the middle of the night, so things will continue to deteriorate."

More than 20 Aberdeenshire schools will be closed or partially closed on Friday due to the severe weather.

Residents who have a private water supply which could have been affected by flood water have been advised to drink bottled water. An NHS Grampian statement said: "If a private well or spring has been covered by flood water, proceed with caution and contact Aberdeenshire Council for advice.

"While waiting for an answer or if you are in doubt, assume the water is unsafe to drink and source bottled water."

Roads across Tayside, Angus and Aberdeenshire have been affected by flooding.

North east police tweeted: "Please don't travel by car tonight. Folk are getting trapped in their cars in flooded areas. Check weather reports overnight and in the am."

Snow has meanwhile been falling in the Keith and Huntly areas.