Weather advice from the OIC

Drivers are advised to take particular care on exposed coastal roads at high tide in Orkney this afternoon and in the early hours of Christmas Day.

With strengthening winds forecast for later today, there is the potential for spray and overtopping by waves on low-lying roads close to the sea.

Supplies of sandbags are available to householders at St Mary’s, St Margaret’s Hope and Garson.

An Amber “be prepared” weather warning remains in force, with gusts are expected to reach 80 and 90 mph in exposed parts of the north and west of Scotland between 4pm and midnight today.