Severe Weather - Disruption to Services – Update

Sunday, 12 January 2020, 16:13

Storm Brendan is expected to bring high winds with gusts of up to 80mph for the Western Isles on Monday 13^th January. 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 10:00 until 23:59 on Monday 13^th January 2020 - "An area of very strong winds will move eastwards across the UK through Monday, clearing eastwards overnight. The strongest winds are expected around exposed coasts and hills. Here gusts of 60-70 mph are likely, with a few sites perhaps seeing gusts to 80 mph - especially around Irish Sea coasts and around the west coast of Scotland where the strongest winds are most likely. Gusts will be lower inland with 45-55 mph likely. A narrow band of squally heavy rain moving east, accompanying the strongest winds, may be an additional hazard.”

A Flood Alert has been issued for Western Isles.

“There is a risk of significant coastal flooding on Monday and Tuesday due to higher than usual tides and large waves. This will increase the risk of flooding to low lying land and roads and could affect exposed coastal properties. There could also be wave overtopping of coastal defences and causeways. The periods of greatest risk are around the high tide which occurs in Stornoway around 2100 on Monday and 0900 on Tuesday.”

Travel

It is anticipated that the Bràighe will be shut around tomorrow’s high tides at 08:23 and at 21:00 due to high waves and strong southerly to southwesterly winds. Please take care and drive to the conditions. Further updates will be provided via the Comhairle and Western Isles Police on Twitter.

The public are advised to travel with care. CnES Roads and Police will be monitoring all causeways. Scalpay Bridge and the Uist causeways are also likely to be impacted.

All bus services in the Western Isles are likely to be cancelled on Monday 13th January.

Ferry services are very likely to be disrupted on Monday 13^th January. Please keep an eye on the website for further details : CalMac Service Status (Opens in a new window or downloads a file)

Services

All schools in the Western Isles will be closed tomorrow Monday 13^th January 2020 as a precautionary measure due to the peak winds forecast for the middle of the day. Schools are open for staff and they are expected to attend when they deem it safe to do so.

There may be adjustments made to Monday’s homecare service and all those affected will be contacted directly regarding alternative arrangements.

The Comhairle offices will be open as normal and staff are expected to attend when they deem it safe to do so.

The public are advised to collect and secure bins.

Advice

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

The Comhairle would ask 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 further disruption

Updates will be provided via the Public Information section of the Comhairle’s website at:
CNES Public Notices
Twitter: @cne_siar (Opens in a new window or downloads a file)