Stormy conditions continue for the Western Isles with strong winds and rain over Sunday.
Damage to properties occurred with slates ripped of rooftops and garden items broken.
Power cuts were reported across the islands while ferry and plane services were cancelled.
Wind speeds peaked late morning with a gust of 93mph recorded at Stornoway as the barometer fell to its lowest point before slowly creeping up again as the Atlantic low tracked over the Hebrides.
Readings from the Western Isles Weather Stations Network show Luskentyre experienced
a 89 mph gust at lunchtime with 86mph in Scalpay mid-morning. Top speeds at South
Uist, Leverburgh and Paible were over 80mph while other local weather station sites
figures in the 70s.
Power cuts in the Western Isles occurred during the storm. The lights went out at Eriskay and the East Kilbride and South Glendale area this afternoon .
A fault on the line is affecting residents in the wider Hosta area while in Lewis, parts of Coll, Borve, and Skigersta have been affected.
A flood alert covering the Western Isles warns minor coastal flooding is possible from spray and wave overtopping caused by very strong winds. Particularly at risk are causeways and low lying coastal roads exposed to the west.
Strong winds are expected over Sunday easing later in the day into Monday. A Met Office yellow wind warning remains in force and people are urged to take care if travelling.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Frank Saunders, said: “Dangerous coastal conditions can be expected, with large waves an additional hazard, especially in respect to causeways. This period of strong winds may lead to some transport disruption, including ferry delays or cancellations.”
He continued: “The strong winds will be more widespread on Sunday, with gusts of
50-60 mph expected quite widely. Around some exposed coasts and hills, gusts of 60
to 70 mph are possible, especially in the north and west.”
Plane services for Barra, Benbecula and Stornoway were cancelled today due to adverse weather while ferries across the islands stayed in the shelter of harbour.
Met Office chief meteorologist Frank Saunders, said: “We have slightly tweaked our weather warnings as the peak winds have now shifted slightly north.
“The strongest winds are expected across the far north of Scotland on Saturday afternoon and evening, with the potential for gusts in excess of 80 mph in coastal districts.
“Dangerous coastal conditions can be expected too, with large waves an additional hazard, especially in respect to causeways. This period of strong winds may lead to some transport disruption, including ferry delays or cancellations.”
He continued: “The strong winds will be more widespread on Sunday, with gusts of
50-60 mph expected quite widely. Around some exposed coasts and hills, gusts of 60
to 70 mph are possible, especially in the north and west.”
More disruption is due on Sunday with Loganair giving booked Western Isles passengers the option to change flights without a reboooking fee.
The airline said: Given the yellow weather warning forecast for Sunday, 22 December across the UK with the potential for travel disruption, we are offering customers flying the opportunity to adjust travel plans without charge.
Affected passengers can choose to re-book on an alternative flight up to seven days
from their original travel date. There will be no change fee or difference in fare
payable. If a seat is available on an alternative flight, they can transfer the booking
to that flight without charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
Loganair says it plans to fly all its scheduled services. Standby aircraft and crews are in place to help recover disrupted services as soon as weather permits.
Travellers should note that unless their flight is cancelled, no refund will be offered for any operating service.
Power cuts, travel cancellations and damaged roofs during storm
21 December 2024
