Severe Weather - Disruption to Services

Wednesday, 10 October 2018, 14:50

Storm Callum is expected to bring high winds with gusts of up to 75mph for the Western Isles on Friday 12^th October. A yellow warning for wind has been issued by the Met Office.

Yellow Warning

A notification warning of severe weather from the Met Office remains valid from 03:00 until 21:00 on Friday 12^th October 2018 - "Gusts 50 to 60 mph are likely with potential for gusts of 70 mph around exposed coasts and hills. High tides are also near their peak, heightening the risk of coastal impacts due to large waves. The very strong winds are expected to arrive across Northern Ireland during the early morning, then Scotland by mid-morning. Although the winds will ease quickly across Northern Ireland and much of Scotland, there is a chance that a separate swathe of very strong winds with gusts of 70-80 mph may affect the Outer Hebrides and the far northwest of the Scottish mainland for a time in the afternoon, before easing during the evening. It is here that there is the greatest chance of wind-related impacts.”

Travel

Anyone booked to travel with Loganair on Friday 12th October, can choose to re-book on an alternative flight at any time within the next seven days. There will be no change fee or difference in fare payable – if there is a seat available on an earlier or later flight, they can transfer your booking to that flight without charge on a first-come, first-served basis by giving them a call on 0344 800 2855 with a booking reference.

Ferry services are very likely to be disrupted on Friday 12^th October. Please keep an eye on the website for further details https://www.calmac.co.uk/ (Status on a route by route basis available from the drop-down menu on the front page).

Western Isles bus services across the region may have possible travel disruption or delays and cancellations due to forecasted high wind speed. The travelling public should check the service status with the local bus operators. Contact numbers available on the Comhairle Website / Bus Services and timetable leaflets currently in circulation. For Bus na Comhairle services, call Stornoway Bus Station on 01851-704327 between 9:15am and 5:15pm.

The public are advised to travel with care. CnES Roads and Police will be monitoring all causeways. Scalpay Bridge and the Uist causeways are the most likely to be impacted. Updates will be provided through the Comhairle’s Twitter and Facebook pages as and when appropriate.

Services

Comhairle offices in Lewis, Harris & Barra will be closed on Friday 12th October 2018. All Comhairle offices will be closed on Monday 15th October 2018. All schools in the Western Isles close for the school holidays on Thursday 11^th October.

It is anticipated that all sport and leisure facilities in the Western Isles will be open on Friday 12th October, but are subject to disruption and/or closure. Updates will be posted on the facilities and Comhairle social media pages.

There may be disruption to care at home and adult services and if necessary all those affected will be contacted directly regarding alternative arrangements

Waste and Recycling Collection

It is anticipated that bin collections will go ahead as normal on Friday but may be subject to delays. However, bins should be presented for collection at 8am and bins should not be put out overnight. If collections are cancelled, this will be communicated through the normal means. The public are advised to collect and secure bins as soon as possible thereafter.

Creed Park Waste Management Facility & Creed Park Household Waste Recycling Centre

It is anticipated that Creed Park Waste Management Facility & Creed Park Household Waste Recycling Centre will be open as normal.

Rueval Household Waste Recycling Centre

It is anticipated that Rueval Household Waste Recycling Centre will be open as normal.

Market Stance Waste Transfer Station

It is anticipated that Market Stance Waste Transfer Station will be open as normal.

Bennadrove Landfill Site

It is anticipated that Bennadrove Landfill Site will be open as normal.

However, all of the sites may be subject to closure weather dependent. If any sites are to be closed, this will be communicated through the normal means.

Advice

The public are advised to secure any loose debris. The construction industry is advised to secure scaffolding and any loose items on building sites.

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

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is reminding members of the public to take extra care if using candles during any power cuts which occur due to winter storms. In the event of a loss of 999 services, all fire stations will be manned by emergency services.

SSE is on alert and has put in place its contingency plans to deal with any damage the storm may cause to the electricity network. Any customers who lose their electricity supply are urged to contact SSE on 105 to report damage or highlight neighbours or friends who may need extra help.

All services are subject to possible further disruption

Updates will be provided via the Public Information section of the Comhairle’s website at:
CNES Public Notices
Twitter: @cne_siar