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Now Red - Amber Weather Warning Raised to Red For East Including Caithness and Orkney

26th November 2021

Photograph of Now Red - Amber Weather Warning Raised to Red For East Including  Caithness and Orkney

Issued today Friday 26 November 2021.
The Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning for coastal areas in the northeast of the UK as Storm Arwen will bring high winds and disruption for much of the UK.

A rare red weather warning for wind has been added to existing amber and yellow wind warnings, with coastal areas on the east coast of Scotland and the northeast of England set to see the most disruptive winds, with gusts expected in excess of 80mph.

The red warning will come into force from 15:00 Friday and will last until 02:00 Saturday morning. The northerly wind is expected to cause damage to coastal areas, with exceptionally large waves possible in the northeast, resulting in likely significant damage and hazards from beach material being thrown near the coastline. People should stay away from the coast as waves and debris are a danger to life.

The red warning is embedded within a wider amber wind warning for the northeast of the UK, with gusts in excess of 70mph likely later on Friday and in to Saturday morning within this area. An amber wind warning has also been issued for southwest and northwest England, as well as western Wales, and will be in force from midnight on Saturday. The amber warnings extend to 09:00 on Saturday morning. Temporary and open structures are at risk of significant damage and represent danger to life.


From the Met Office.

Friday and Saturday

High winds associated with Storm Arwen are expected to cause some travel disruption and damage.

What to expect
Flying debris is likely and could lead to Injuries or danger to life.

Probably damage to trees, temporary structures and buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs.

Longer journey times and cancellations likely, as road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected.

Some roads and bridges likely to close.

There is a good chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
Injuries and danger to life is likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties

Storm Arwen will bring high northerly winds southwards across Scotland during Friday afternoon and evening, the highest winds then becoming confined to northeast England early Saturday. Gusts of 65 to 75 mph are expected in coastal areas with gusts in excess of 75 mph in a few places.

www.metoffice.gov.uk/

For public safety, Highland Council is advising Highland residents to ensure that all trampolines, outdoor garden furniture and outdoor Christmas decorations are securely tied down.

Storm Arwen is due to reach the Highlands today and the Council is urging communities to stay safe and ensure they follow the very latest weather forecasts from the Met Office and keep up to date with Traffic Scotland's website or social media feeds.

Gale force winds of up to 80mph are expected to affect the Highlands today and over the weekend and snow is also forecast. A Yellow Warning for Snow has also been issued for the high ground of the Grampians, Perthshire and the Highlands for today (Friday 26 November 2021).

It is always advisable to drive according to the conditions and limit journeys to essential travel where possible.

Landowners are also reminded about the danger of fallen trees and with high winds forecast this may well be an issue. The Highland Council is encouraging landowners to check trees and vegetation near to public roads which may have been damaged.

Colin Howell, Highland Council's Head of Roads and Infrastructure said: "Damaged trees and vegetation can cause potential hazards to road users by obstructing the passage of vehicles and pedestrians. The Council is particularly concerned where weakened or damaged branches could subsequently fall on vehicles or pedestrians."

Under Section 91 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 the Council may serve notice on landowners requiring them to take action to remove hazardous or obstructive vegetation. In extreme cases, where there is an imminent danger to the public the Council will take action and landowners will be liable for the cost.

If you are affected by falling trees communities can get advice and guidance on this matter by calling the Council’s Service Centre on 01349 886601.

With colder weather also forecast advice is available on the council’s website at: www.highland.gov.uk/readyforwinter (external link) on how to report flooding; Met Office forecasts; grit bin locations; Highland traffic and travel on Twitter using @HChighlandroads; Corran Ferry @CorranFerry; Service Point closures; helping vulnerable neighbours and preparing for bad weather at home.

For non-Council Trunk Road operations follow Traffic Scotland @trafficscotland and their operators Bear North West (Scotland) @NWTrunkRoads on Twitter.

A list of useful Twitter feeds can be found below:

Weather: www.twitter.com/MetofficeScot (external link)

Flooding: www.twitter.com/ScottishEPA (external link)

Travel advice: www.twitter.com/policescotland (external link) and www.twitter.com/NorthernPolice (external link)

Traffic: www.twitter.com/trafficscotland (external link)

Preparing for severe weather: www.twitter.com/readyscotland (external link)