Warning: Yellow
To expect: Wind
Affected areas: Orkney & Shetland
Start time estimate: Sunday midnight
End time estimate: Sunday 3pm
The Met Office has issued an updated Yellow wind warning for Orkney & Shetland for Sunday, with conditions linked to Storm Dave.
Intense winds will lash the region. The high winds are expected to start on Sunday at around midnight and last until 3pm.
The updated Yellow alert for wind was issued at 10:58am on Thursday, April 2.
A Met Office forecast said: “A rapidly deepening area of low pressure, Storm Dave, is likely to move northeastwards close to or across northwestern parts of the UK during Saturday evening and night, clearing to the North Sea by Sunday. Whilst there is some uncertainty over the exact track, intensity and shape of this area of low pressure, a period of strong west to northwesterly winds is expected on Easter Sunday. Peak gusts of 60-70 mph will be possible fairly widely, with a slight chance of 75-85 mph in some exposed areas for a time.”
What to expect
Some delays to road, air and ferry transport are likely with a chance of cancellations to some services; There is a slight chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage; Delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges likely with a chance that some roads and bridges could close; There is a slight chance of some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs; There is a small chance that injuries could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.
What should you do during strong gusts?
Prepare to protect your property and people from injury. Check for loose items outside your home and plan how you could secure them. Items include; bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences. Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary. People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items. If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves. Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea. Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly. When a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area. For further details see Met Office Warnings & Advice.
What is an updated yellow weather warning?
The Met Office has three categories of weather warning, depending on the likely impact of severe weather and also how likely it is to strike in a particular area.
A yellow warning is issued when weather conditions are expected to disrupt travel and traffic and may impact on daily routines but are not likely to pose a risk to life or property.
An amber warning is more severe and advises people to think about changing their plans to minimise the risk.
A red warning means weather conditions are expected to be dangerous with widespread damage to property and a risk to life, with the public usually advised to avoid travelling.
The Yellow weather alert for wind will remain in effect until 3pm on Sunday.