General weather disruption update - 3 to 5 January

A rolling general update on weather related issues (for 3-5 January 2024)

Wind blown debris and road flooding:

OIC is urging motorists to be vigilant about wind blown debris on the roads and drifting sand especially in the current bad weather.

The Council sent crews today (Wednesday 3 Jan) to attend to drifting sand on the Churchill Barrier No. 3 bends and erect warning signs. However motorists should be mindful with the forecast wind strength and directions sand buildup is likely to be an ongoing issue over the rest of this week, at this location and potentially elsewhere.

With the persistent rainfall, we’re also continuing to see water across the road springing up in various locations.

For everyone’s safety drivers should be anticipating tricky road conditions at any moment. Please slow right down when you come across any sand or water across the road.

Report road issues to my.orkney.gov.uk or on 01856 876338 as listed on the Contacts page on our website www.orkney,gov.uk.

The public are urged to report issues which are a clear danger to life and to road users immediately to Police on 999 who can call in OIC’s Roads team to assist.

Kerbside waste collection disruptions:

• Some properties in Area 8 (South Burray and South Ronaldsay) weren’t collected on Wednesday (3 January 2024) due to Churchill Barrier closures. The collection is rescheduled for Thursday 4 January – residents affected are advised to have bins out by 8am.
• Westray’s waste collection was cancelled Wednesday 3 January 2024, due to ferry cancellations. Collections have been rescheduled to Thursday 4 January.
• The waste collection in Eday was cancelled on Thursday 4 January, due to ferry disruption. The collection will take place on Friday 5 January instead.

Churchill Barriers:

A quick reminder of options for folks to keep up to date on conditions at the Churchill Barriers:

• Telegram: t.me/OIC_Roads
• Facebook: Orkney Islands Council
• X (formerly Twitter): www.x.com/oic_roads
• Our website: www.orkney.gov.uk