Emergency group meets ahead of forecast storms

The multi-agency Orkney Local Emergency Co-ordinating Group (OLECG) is advising the community to be prepared severe weather conditions later this week.

The group met today in response to predictions of very strong winds over a 48-hour period from late on Thursday evening.

Temporary Chief Inspector Gordon Deans, Police Scotland’s area commander for Orkney, who chaired the OLECG meeting, said: “Our aim is to ensure that key agencies are prepared for eventualities linked to the weather conditions predicted for later this week.

“As the forecast stands, there is likely to be travel disruption on the Churchill Barriers, with a lot of spray on roads and other areas facing to the west. Disruption is also likely on internal and external ferry and air routes. Our advice is to keep an eye on weather forecasts and keep in touch with transport providers.”

He added: “With strong winds, there is always the possibility that some homes may be affected by a loss of power. In those circumstances, we would ask friends, family and neighbours to keep an eye on people who may be experiencing problems as a result.

“We would ask that people ensure that anything that could be blown about is safely stowed away or tied down – strips of plastic or polythene, for instance, can cause power cuts if they get wrapped around power lines.”