Latest weather update

The Orkney Local Emergency Co-ordinating Group (OLECG) issued a further update late yesterday afternoon after a follow-up meeting in response to the severe weather conditions affecting the county. At the time of the update, two properties in Orkney were without power.

Earlier in the day, yesterday, power was restored to customers across the islands, including around 150 properties in Westray and Papa Westray.

Chairman of OLECG, Police Scotland’s area commander for Orkney, Chief Inspector Les Donaldson, said: “Scottish Hydro engineers have worked tirelessly throughout the day in extremely difficult conditions. Their efforts are appreciated by us and by the community at large.”

The high tide and strong winds earlier on Thursday caused coastal flooding in a number of locations including Whitehall in Stronsay. Although some flooding occurred in St Margaret’s Hope, temporary flood defences deployed by Orkney Islands Council at one location in the village proved effective.

Winds gradually eased through the evening and night, but colder conditions today will result in continuing show showers and ice, with the potential for blizzard conditions at times. The cold conditions are expected to ease over the weekend.

Chief Inspector Donaldson said: “Roads across Orkney have been gritted throughout the day [Thursday] and will be gritted again from 6am on Friday. Driving conditions can be difficult, especially in drifting snow, and we would ask drivers and pedestrians to take particular care when out and about.

“As ever we would ask family and friends to keep an eye on the more vulnerable members of our community to make sure they are not suffering problems as a result of severe weather we are experiencing.”

The advice from OLECG 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.