Flood defences deployed as weather set to worsen

Orkney Islands Council is taking action as flooding threatens to affect communities across the county.

According to the council, there is a potential for flooding in St Margaret’s Hope, Stromness, Sanday and Longhope.

OIC has confirmed that flood defences will be deployed in St Margaret’s Hope, this Saturday afternoon, in response to a combination of high tides and strong westerly winds.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has issued a flood warning this morning for the area, advising that coastal flooding of low-lying roads and properties is possible.

The highest risk will be a few hours either side of high tide – 9.30pm today and 10am on Sunday.

According to OIC, large and overtopping waves are likely and this could cause hazardous unpredictable conditions in places.

There will be a limited number of sandbags left in the vicinity of the flood defences for the public to use if needed and the Council have asked folk to remove any parked cars from the Cromarty Slip/Front Road area.

SEPA is advising there is likely to be flood warnings for Stromness and sandbags will be available on the pallet outside the Garson Depot for collection should members of the public require them.

There is also the potential for flooding in parts of Sanday and Longhope.

Latest information here: https://floodline.sepa.org.uk/floodupdates/

Stay safe folks, it’s going to be a coarse weekend.