With forecasted wind speeds that may reach 100mph the Met Office has communicated that there is a danger to life.  While there is variation in forecasted wind speeds across the Western Isles it is important that all members of the public, businesses and local organisations in areas covered by the amber weather warnings follow the advice available on the Met Office Website.

What should you expect during the amber warning? (Met Office Guidance)

• There is a good chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
• There will probably be some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs
• Longer journey times and cancellations are likely, as road, air and ferry services may be affected
• Some roads, causeways and bridges are likely to close
• Injuries and danger to life is likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts 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 Saturday 4 October.

Sport and Health

• Sports Centres and facilities in Stornoway and Tarbert as well as the rural Lewis swimming pools will be closed on Saturday 4 October.
• Sports Centres in Lionacleit and Castlebay face a high probability of disruption to opening times. Local assessment of conditions on Saturday morning will inform decisions. Please check before travel.

Museums and Libraries

• Stornoway and Tarbert Libraries - Closed on Saturday 4 October
• Lionacleit and Castlebay Libraries face a high probability of disruption to opening times. Local assessment of conditions on Saturday morning will inform decisions. Please check before travel.
• Museum nan Eilean Stornoway - Closed on Saturday 4 October
• Museum nan Eilean Lionacleit faces a high probability of disruption to opening times. Local assessment of conditions on Saturday morning will inform decisions. Please check before travel.

Municipal Services

• Creed Household Waste Recycling Centre will be  Closed on Saturday 4 October.
• Rueval Waste Householding Centre is planning to open but it may close at short notice depending on local weather conditions.

Social Work and Social Care Services

Given the adverse weather, there will be disruption to services.

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

Provision has been made to manage disruption within other care services.

Bus Services

All Comhairle bus services in Lewis and Harris scheduled for Saturday 4 October 2025 are cancelled.  All private bus operators in Lewis and Harris have been advised to cancel their services. 

Bus services in Uist and Barra are liable to disruption or cancellation at short notice.

Flooding

A FLOOD ALERT UPDATE has been issued for Western Isles.

This alert is for coastal, river and surface water flooding. Strong winds and large waves on Friday evening and Saturday will cause dangerous conditions around the coasts. There is the potential for significant coastal flooding due to spray and wave overtopping in exposed locations around the time of high tide. There could be disruption to travel, damage to infrastructure and flooding of roads and parts of communities.

Heavy rain may also affect the area on Friday and Saturday. There is a risk of flooding from rivers and surface water. Potential impacts include localised flooding of low lying land and roads, and local disruption travel.

Remain vigilant and remember, it is your responsibility to take actions which help protect yourself and your property. Advice and information is available on SEPA’s website or by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188.