Storm Ashley is "likely" to bring a threat of injuries and danger to life if people are caught out in the severe weather, the Met Office warns.
Wind speeds up to 80mph are forecast as Storm Ashley tracks over the Western Isles this evening with an amber warning in place.
Islanders are strongly urged to only travel if essential throughout the amber warning period.
The combination of high tides, storm surge and large waves means coastal flooding is expected across the Western Isles.
Conditions around the coast will also present a risk of injuries and a possible danger to life due to large waves and from beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties.
Tiles and slates could be blown off roofs while some damage to buildings can be expected,
Winds are strengthening across the islands from this afternoon bringing stormy weather and violent gusts.
Winds of 87mph were logged at Lochmaddy harbour at teatime while South Uist rocket range recorded 69mph in the first wave of Storm Ashley this morning.
Significant coastal flooding is expected in the islands around high tide tonight, on Sunday evening, due to a combination of high water levels, wind and waves highlights environment agency, Sepa.
Baleshare Causeway in North Uist was shut for over two hours this morning. Water levels tonight will be the highest experienced locally in recent days. Exposed causeways, roads and bridges are likely to close with a raft of updated flood warnings issued locally.
Catherine Evans, SEPA's flood duty manager, said: “Scotland will experience the impacts from Storm Ashley this evening and into tomorrow morning.
“Coastal flooding will impact communities along the west coast and the islands, due to already high water levels combined with strong winds and large waves.
"While the risk is most significant around high tide times, our message continues to be: take extra care if you are near the coast at any point and stay clear of waves and water.
“Be careful when travelling around exposed coastal areas. Don't walk or drive through flood water as there may be hidden hazards.”
Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, Police Scotland’s head of road policing, said: “The amber warning for high winds means that there is a strong likelihood of disruption on the road network and as such, motorists are advised to plan ahead and avoid unnecessary travel where possible.”
She added: “Make sure your vehicle has sufficient fuel and is completely roadworthy, with tyre pressure and tread meeting legal requirements. Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged in the event you need to call for assistance and if it is likely you may be within your vehicle for long periods of time, take additional clothing and water with you.
“Please do not ignore any road signage advising of changes to speed or closures to routes. These are in place for your safety and the safety of other road users and listen out for media broadcasts about the weather and how it may be impacting travel.”
General advice for road users:
- Plan ahead and avoid unnecessary travel
- All road users should consider if they really need to travel during adverse weather
- Consider delaying travel until conditions improve
- If you are travelling on the roads, prepare yourself and your vehicle for the conditions
- Ensure your mobile phone is charged and plan your journey, including an alternative route
- Have sufficient fuel, warm clothing, food and water in case you’re delayed
- Do not ignore road closure signs – they are for your safety
- Congestion caused by vehicles may restrict emergency services and recovery vehicles from providing essential assistance
Wind
- HGV and bus drivers should drive with extreme caution and be aware they may be asked to park at a suitable position by the police.
- Drivers of vehicles vulnerable to being blown over should plan their route to avoid exposed areas or consider cancelling their journey until conditions improve.
- Cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians should consider the risk of being blown over or into the path of other road users.
Social Work and Social Care Services
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar social work and social care services will be prioritising essential service delivery on Sunday and into Monday morning.
The Care at Home service schedule will be affected, and service users and their families will be contacted to work through any amendments that may affect them.
Provision is being made to have plans in place to manage any possible disruption within other care services.
Bus Services
Delays to scheduled bus services in the Western Isles on Monday morning are possible.
Avoid unnecessary travel in the Western Isles tonight during storm surge and fierce winds urge police
20 October 2024
