This alert is for coastal flooding. Due to a combination of high tides along with a large surge, wind and waves there is a risk of flooding in coastal areas from Saturday evening, and during Sunday and Monday. The greatest risk is around the times of High Water, which on Saturday falls around 2100 and on Sunday falls around 0900 in the morning, and 2200 in the evening. There will be a risk from wind and waves at all times, particularly on exposed coasts and causeways.

Remain vigilant and remember, it is your responsibility to take actions which help protect yourself and your property.  Advice and information is also available through Floodline on 0345 9881188.  This FLOOD ALERT is now in force until further notice and was sent by phone and sms free of charge to registered customers of our Floodline direct warning service.  If you haven’t already signed up to receive free flood messages, please call Floodline or register online at sepa.org.uk/floodingsignup.

Your Floodline quick dial number for this area is 22500

OLECG, the Orkney Local Emergency Co-ordination Group, met yesterday in response to forecasts of serious flooding throughout the county.

Kirkwall’s harbour front flood gates were put in place in response to latest weather forecasts.

Sandbags are being made available for collection from pallets placed at Cromarty Square in the Hope, St Mary’s (outside the Post Office and at the corner at the Loch or Ayre), Burray village (carpark at the old school) and along Victoria Street in Stromness. Sandbags will also be available in the Isles at the depots. If stocks run out, please contact the Council on 01856876338.

The Council would like to remind the public that if it has placed sandbags for flood prevention purposes please do not remove them.

The flood defence scheme is designed to protect low lying parts of Kirkwall against flooding from the sea.

The main gates at the Waterfront West-Shapinsay Slip and Kirkwall Harbour entrance will be closed as late as possible to allow vehicles to move in and out.

The Council has also deployed temporary flood prevention equipment at Cromarty Square in St Margaret’s Hope.

OLECG will meet again on Saturday afternoon and will issue an update thereafter.

Weather and Transport updates are available on the OIC Updates Facebook Page, the OIC Roads Twitter feed and the Orkney Police Twitter feed.