Storm Amy - Strong Winds Warning

Folk in Orkney should ‘batten down the hatches’ for incoming strong winds and rain this weekend.

The Orkney Local Emergency Coordination Group (OLECG) met at 12:00pm to plan and prepare for the arrival of ‘Storm Amy’, the first named storm of the season, which has prompted the Met Office to issue an Amber weather warning through from 17:00 tonight through to 21:00 on Saturday night.

Storm Amy is likely to bring winds of up to 60mph to 70mph, gusting to 100mph in exposed areas, as well as heavy rain and wave overtopping at coastal areas.

There is resulting widespread travel disruption across ferries and buses.  Bus services will be suspended from 17:00 with the last bus going from Stromness to Kirkwall at 16:05 tonight and  the last St Margaret’s Hope to Kirkwall service at 16:50.

There are also widespread ferry and flight cancellations and passengers should check details with their provider.

OLECG has also issued a reminder for householders to ensure that any potentially loose items in their garden – trampolines, garden furniture and bins for example – are brought inside or made safe by securing or dismantling them.

Chief Inspector Scott Roberston is Chair of OLECG.  He said: “Extremely windy weather is due to hit Orkney from around 4:00pm this afternoon right through to late on tomorrow evening - so quite an extended period of severe weather.  Whilst we know folk in our islands are well used to such weather, we’d still encourage them to take reasonable precautions in order to prepare – whether that be checking on travel arrangements, ensuring there’s nothing in your garden that could take off and cause a hazard or looking out torches to prepare for potential power disruption.”

Flood stops have been deployed at Spence’s Pier in St Magaret’s Hope and a review of conditions at the Churchill Barriers will take place at 18:00.  The Scapa Flow Museum and Visitor Centre will also be closed tomorrow.

More information on preparing for severe weather is available here - Winter Safety