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Storm Amy Amber Weather Warning

Storm Amy Amber Weather Warning

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for wind covering the Western Isles from 5pm on Friday 3 October until 9am on Saturday 4 October.
Storm Warning Image with lightening strike

High wind speeds, that could exceed 95mph in exposed areas, are forecast. Members of the public, businesses and local organisations are encouraged to take care and follow the advice available on the Met Office Website.

What should you expect during the amber warning?

  • Power cuts could occur and affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage.
  • Damage to buildings and homes is possible, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down.
  • Roads, bridges and causeways may close, with delays and cancellations to bus, ferry services and flights.
  • Flying debris could result in a danger to life.
  • There is potential for large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.

Public Advice

Considering the speed, direction and sustained duration of the forecasted wind members of the public are encouraged to take care while travelling especially if journeys involve travel across causeways, culverts or through areas prone to flooding.

Driving in these conditions can be dangerous, for yourself and other road users. If you must drive, you can do this more safely by taking the following actions; drive slowly to minimise the impact of wind gusts, be aware of high sided vehicles/caravans on more exposed roads and be cautious when overtaking, and give cyclists, motorcyclists, lorries and buses more room than usual.

Police Scotland will communicate information on any road closures through their social media channels.

The public are advised to secure any loose debris. The construction industry is advised to secure scaffolding and any loose items on building sites. Anyone intending to camp overnight is encouraged to review the advice and consider seeking alternative accommodation.

The Comhairle asks that family, neighbours and friends living nearby assist and support elderly and vulnerable people.

Comhairle Service Disruption

Public access to the following Comhairle facilities will be impacted on Friday 3 October.

Schools and Early Years

All schools and nurseries in Uist and Barra will close to pupils at lunchtime and school transport will operate early to ensure pupils get home. Individual schools will notify parents of their specific closure time.

Schools in Lewis and Harris will close to pupils at their usual scheduled time.

All day nursery provision that were due to be open until 5.30pm will now close at the same time as their associated school.

Sports and Leisure Facilities

Sports and Leisure Facilities across the Western Isles will face full or early closure.

  • Castlebay Sports Centre - Will remain closed
  • Lionacleit Sports Centre - Closed from 1pm
  • Isle of Harris Sports Centre - Closed from 1pm
  • Lewis Sports Centre - Closed from 3pm
  • Shawbost Pool - Evening opening is cancelled

Museums and Libraries

  • Museum nan Eilean, Lionacleit - closed from 1pm
  • Castlebay Library - Scheduled to be closed
  • Lionacleit Library - closed from 1pm
  • Tarbert Library - Scheduled to be closed
  • Stornoway Library -  Closed from 4pm

Municipal Services

Rueval Household Waste Recycling Centre - closed from 1pm

Social Work and Social Care Services

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar will provide an update on social work and social care services on Friday 3 October. Given the weather predictions, there will likely be disruption to services.

Care at Home service users and their families will be contacted to work through any amendments to service delivery that may affect them.

Provision is being made to have plans in place to manage any possible disruption within other care services.

Bus Services

The public are advised that there may be delays or cancellations to scheduled bus services on Friday 3 October.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar will deliver further updates on any additional service disruption.

Flooding

A FLOOD ALERT has been issued for the Western Isles.

Heavy rain is forecast for this area on Thursday, which could cause some flooding impacts from rivers and surface water. Impacts may include flooding to low-lying land and roads, with disruption to travel.

Strong winds and large waves from Friday evening could cause coastal flooding due to spray and wave overtopping, particularly in exposed locations around the time of high tide. There could be flooding of low-lying land and roads and disruption to travel.