Brechin residents stressed the need for flood prevention measures to progress quickly after the South Esk burst its banks.
The water edged higher as torrential rain battered the town and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) issued a flood warning for Brechin on Friday.
Sandbags were handed out by Angus Council as Sepa officials warned that gardens on River Street were at risk of flooding.
Residents breathed a sigh of relief as the downpour eased off but they will be anxiously watching the skies this weekend with further rain on the way.
River Street is closed as the multi-million-pound flood prevention scheme begins to take shape along the north bank.
Resident James Anderson said yesterday’s drama underlines how important a long-term solution will be after years of misery.
He said: “A flood scheme is something the people of Brechin have wanted for years.
“The river bursting its banks again just highlights how much this scheme is needed. If you think it’s bad now in summer, just imagine how bad it can get in the winter months.”
The scheme, described as the single largest civil engineering project in Angus, will see direct river defences constructed along the north bank of the South Esk.
The walls, of a natural stone finish, will measure around 1.4 metres from the raised footway on the river side and around 1.6m from the caravan park.
The scheme will also see embankments raised and upgrades to the surface water and roads drainage in place, with three new submerged pump stations installed at the Inch, Brechin Bridge and East Mill.
Residents on River Street had to be evacuated in December 2012 and the road flooded again at the end of last year.
Elsewhere in Angus, there was localised flooding on roads in Aberlemno, Kirriemuir and Lintrathen.
Peel Farm in Lintrathen was forced to close its doors following the torrential downpour which battered the region.
Stonehaven Highland Games, due to take place today, had to be cancelled due to the weather.
The event was to have taken place at Mineralwell Park but the conditions forced organisers to call it off.
The Highland dancing competitions will still go ahead in Mackie Academy.