Orkney Islands Council has issued the following:
SEPA has issued a Flood Warning for St Margaret’s Hope, where flooding of low-lying land, roads and properties is expected on Tuesday 27 October, from approximately 9:30am. This comes alongside a wider Amber flood risk for coastal and tidal flooding across Orkney, and a Yellow weather warning for wind from the Met Office, in place for Orkney from 3am to 9pm on Tuesday.
A storm surge, large waves and strong winds are expected on top of spring tides, with the highest risk around high tide, when wave overtopping, spray and coastal damage are likely.
Strong south-westerly winds are expected during the day, with gusts of 50-60mph possible and potentially higher in exposed coastal areas, easing later on Tuesday.
Our Roads team will be on standby to deploy flood defences in Kirkwall and St Margaret’s Hope if conditions worsen, with the situation to be reviewed first thing on Tuesday morning.
As a precaution, cars should be removed from the Waterfront West-Shapinsay Slip car park in Kirkwall, and the Cromarty Slip and Front Road area in St Margaret’s Hope, by 8am on Tuesday. If the defences are deployed, access to and from Kirkwall Pier and the wider harbour area may be affected while the gates are in place.
Sandbags will also be available to collect outside our depots at Hatston in Kirkwall, Garson in Stromness, and from the amenity site at St Margaret’s Hope, for anyone who needs them for flooding issues. Residents and businesses in St Margaret’s Hope should take action now to protect their property.
Areas of potential disruption to note are:
- Strong winds and large waves could lead to disruption at the Churchill Barriers, where there is also a Flood Warning in place, particularly around high tide. Please check the OIC Roads Facebook page for the latest updates.
- Bus services may be affected at short notice – please check Stagecoach’s service updates page for the latest information before you travel.
- Orkney Ferries has advised of possible disruption across all services on Tuesday. Some sailings have already been cancelled, and a number of others are under review. Please check Orkney Ferries’ website for the latest updates.
- For other ferry services and flights, please check with your operator for the latest details.
- Power cuts are possible and can be reported to SSEN by calling 105 or through SSEN’s Power Track, which also gives updates on power cuts.
Please take care near the shore, avoid coastal routes around high tide where you can, and secure loose items outside your home, including bins, garden furniture and trampolines.
For more information about flooding, including how to prepare and what to do during and after a flood, visit our flooding information page.
We would encourage residents and visitors to sign up to SEPA’s Floodline service to get flood alerts and warnings sent straight to your phone, either through their website or by calling 0345 988 1188.
With a storm surge, spring tides, large waves and strong winds all coming together, significant coastal flooding is likely. Keep an eye on our social media and website for the latest information, take necessary precautions, and plan travel and any outdoor work or activities accordingly.
Information from SEPA
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