Emergency group meet as Orkney battens down the hatches

The Orkney Local Emergency Co-ordinating Group (OLECG) met this afternoon in response to predictions of severe weather conditions affecting the county.

The Met Office has issued an Amber Warning that gusts are expected to reach 80 mph in places and perhaps as high as 90 mph in exposed parts of the north and west of Scotland.

Following the meeting, the chairman of OLECG, Police Scotland’s Area Commander for Orkney, Chief Inspector Les Donaldson, said: “Through meetings like this we ensure that a wide range of agencies are prepared for eventualities linked to the weather conditions we are expecting from the early hours of Thursday morning (Dec 5).

“According to forecasts, these conditions could extend into Friday. As a result there is likely to be widespread transport disruption and the possibility of flooding in low lying coastal areas.

“With strong winds predicted, we would advise drivers of high sided vehicles to plan their journeys carefully and take the weather conditions fully into account. We would also ask that people ensure that anything that could be blown about – from garden furniture to agricultural equipment – is safely stowed away.

“Our general advice is to keep an eye on weather forecasts and keep in touch with transport providers.”

Anyone needing to contact Police Scotland should dial 101 or 999 in an emergency.