Severe Weather - Disruption to Services
Storm Caroline is expected to bring high winds with gusts of up to 90mph. An amber warning has been issued by the Met Office.
The Amber notification warning of severe weather is valid from 06:00 until 23:55 on Thursday 7th December "Storm Caroline is expected to bring a spell of very windy weather to northern Scotland. Gusts of 70 to 80 mph are expected widely with gusts to 90 mph possible in exposed areas. Flying debris is likely and could lead to injuries or danger to life. Some damage to buildings is possible, such as tiles blowing off roofs. Longer journey times and cancellations are likely, as road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected. There is a good chance that power cuts may also occur. Large waves are expected and beach material may be thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties."
As a precautionary measure - all schools and nurseries in Lewis, Harris and Uist will be closed to pupils tomorrow, Thursday 7th December. Teaching staff should make their way to their school or the nearest school as they deem safe to do so. Barra does not fall within the Met Office amber weather warning area and therefore the situation there will be reviewed early in the morning by the Headteacher and transport operator. Parents will be contacted through Groupcall as appropriate.
There will be no bus service in Lewis, Harris and Uist tomorrow morning. This situation be reviewed late-morning. Passengers throughout the Western Isles are advised to contact bus operators directly using the contact phone numbers with the Current Public Bus Timetables.
It is anticipated that bin collections will go ahead as normal tomorrow morning. However, bins should not be put out overnight. If collections are cancelled, this will be communicated through the normal means.
All libraries and sports and leisure facilities in the Western Isles will be open as normal tomorrow.
The Comhairle Offices will be open as normal tomorrow and staff are expected to make their way to work as soon as they deem it safe to do so.
Appropriate measures are being put in place for care users and carers who will be contacted directly. If there are any local care related issues, you may also contact FAIRE on 01851 701702.
The public are advised to travel with care. CnES Roads and Police Scotland will be monitoring all causeways.
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.
The Comhairle will continue to monitor the weather situation and its impact upon services.
All services are subject to potential disruption.
Updates will be provided via the Public Information section of the Comhairle’s website at:
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