Severe Weather – Yellow Warning

09 February 2022 at 15:57:37

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind, covering the Western Isles, on Thursday 10th February. The warning is valid between 0300 and 1200 on Thursday.

"A brief period of severe gale force westerly winds will develop across the Western Isles during the early hours of Thursday morning bringing gusts up to 70-75 mph, the Uists most likely to see the strongest winds. Then a brief period of strong to gale west to southwesterly winds will transfer quickly eastwards across the rest of the warning area on Thursday morning, gusts typically around 50 mph, but perhaps approaching 60 mph in a few locations. Whilst such wind speeds are not unusual for the time of year, recently weakened trees and structures may mean a greater likelihood of localised damage or disruption."

Travel

There is a possibility of disruption to school bus services in the morning and any changes will be communicated to parents through GroupCall.

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.

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 emerg

ency 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

More Useful links:

Winter Maintenance Policy and Operating Plan:

http://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/techservices/wintermaint.asp

CalMac:

https://www.calmac.co.uk/

(Status on a route by route basis available from the drop-down menu on the front page).

Loganair:

http://www.loganair.co.uk/