OLECG – take some time to prepare for storm impacts

Orkney's Local Emergency Coordination Group has met this morning to discuss the aftermath of the recent snowfall - and the bad weather coming in again on Sunday night.

An amber weather warning for winds of up to 85mph has been issued for Orkney for 21:00 on Sunday night to 09:00 on Monday morning

The winds are expected to be at their highest overnight, but folk locally are asked to ensure that they are prepared for this in the usual way - tying down or taking in trampolines or other structures in the garden, looking out for elderly or vulnerable friends and family and preparing for the potential for power cuts.

It is expected that there will be travel disruption - and people should keep an eye out for updates across social media and local press, including potential impacts on school transport on Monday morning.

Police Scotland Chief Inspector and chair of the OLECG group, Scott Robertson said: "We're just all catching our breath after the impacts from the snow - and in comes the wind - with the MET office just this morning escalating us from a yellow warning to an amber weather warning.

"We are well used to wind in Orkney. Sunday night's winds are  overnight and so most people won't be affected as they'll be safe and warm in their beds.  However people should take some time on Sunday to prepare - tie down the trampolines, take in the bins and look out the candles - and hope for better weather to come.

More information on preparing for power cuts is available at https://www.ssen.co.uk/power-cuts-emergencies/electricity-supply-emergency-code-esec/ and https://ready.scot/respond/loss-utilities.  If people come across damage to power lines they should contact 105 immediately.