Violent storm batters the Western Isles 24/11/11
A violent storm is set to affect the Western Isles. The Met Office warns that gale force southerly winds will reach severe gale or even storm force on Thursday evening. Winds will become southwesterly early tonight with speeds then very slowly decreasing.
Hurricane strength winds will lash sea off the west coast of the Hebrides as the centre of the storm approaches the islands.
A Met Office spokesman said: “The public should be aware that the strong winds may cause travel disruption.
“Also, high tides could combine with the strong winds to give large breakers, overtopping sea fronts and causeways bringing risk of localised flooding to low lying coastal areas.”
Police and Western Isles Council are urging members of the public to exercise caution throughout the afternoon.
High tide is around 5pm in Castlebay, about 5.25pm in Balivanich and Leverburgh and just before 6pm for Stornoway.
The combination of rising tides and severe gales from the south will see seas breaking over causeways. The Braighe in Point, Lewis will be particularly exposed to the waves come over the sea wall. Travellers to or from the Point area of Lewis are advised to cross the Braighe well before that time.
As the wind veers westerly, travellers should be aware when crossing the South and North Ford, and the Eriskay causeways after teatime.
There is a risk of flooding from spray and wave overtopping during high tide tonight (Thursday evening) and the early hours (5.30 to 6.30am) on Friday morning. The Braighe may be closed around these times.
Public travelling across causeways should avoid high tide period.
Island ferries are being severely disrupted. Apart from the MV Hebrides which is expected to complete a bump voyage from Skye to Tarbert, no other ferries will be moving until tomorrow. The MV Isle of Lewis is storm bound in Ullapool so her Friday run out of Stornoway is cancelled.
The Lord of the Isles is stuck in Oban and the next sailing to Barra and South Uist
leaves at 5.30am. Passengers booked on cancelled sailings should re-