The Orkney Islands Council has announced that a Flood Warning is in place for St Margaret’s Hope, anticipating flooding of low-lying land, roads, and properties from around 9:30am on Tuesday 27 October. This warning is part of a wider Amber flood risk for coastal and tidal flooding across Orkney. Additionally, a Yellow weather warning for wind from the Met Office is in effect for Orkney from 3am to 9pm on Tuesday.
The severe weather is expected due to a combination of storm surge, large waves, and strong winds coinciding with spring tides. The highest risk of wave overtopping, spray, and coastal damage is anticipated around high tide. Strong south-westerly winds, with gusts of 50-60mph potentially higher in exposed coastal areas, are forecast throughout the day, easing later on Tuesday.
The Council's Roads team is on standby to deploy flood defences in Kirkwall and St Margaret’s Hope if conditions deteriorate. The situation will be reviewed on Tuesday morning. As a precaution, residents are advised to move cars from the Waterfront West-Shapinsay Slip car park in Kirkwall, and the Cromarty Slip and Front Road area in St Margaret’s Hope by 8am on Tuesday. Deployment of defences may affect access to and from Kirkwall Pier and the harbour area.
Sandbags are available for collection outside Council depots at Hatston in Kirkwall, Garson in Stromness, and the amenity site at St Margaret’s Hope. Residents and businesses in St Margaret’s Hope are urged to take immediate action to protect their properties.
Potential disruptions include impacts on the Churchill Barriers due to strong winds and large waves, with updates available on the OIC Roads Facebook page. Bus services may be affected, with updates from Stagecoach. Orkney Ferries has warned of possible disruption across all services, with some sailings already cancelled or under review. Travellers should check with ferry and flight operators for the latest information. Power outages are possible and can be reported to SSEN.
Residents and visitors are advised to exercise caution near the shore, avoid coastal routes around high tide, and secure loose outdoor items. The Council encourages signing up for SEPA’s Floodline service for alerts and warnings. Significant coastal flooding is likely, and the public should monitor social media and the Council website for updates and plan accordingly.
