Storm leaving Moray facing a perfect storm of demands on services

Residents are warned of high winds, spring tides and large waves today that will lead to overtopping at low-lying areas of coastline.

In addition, blizzard conditions are expected to arrive later today, affecting high ground initially but spreading to all parts of Moray by the weekend.

To combat this ‘perfect storm’ of demands on the council’s services, teams are on standby to deliver sandbags to known hotspots that are likely to be affected by overtopping. Staff are currently monitoring the various seaside locations.

Garmouth and Kingston is expected to be cut off for a short period this afternoon, but a quantity of sandbags are already on site in a well-rehearsed scenario for protection of the village.

Once sandbags have been placed into position at the various at-risk locations in Moray, crews will then be manning road gritting trucks to treat roads in high-lying areas. This is expected to commence just after lunch.

As the winds are now strengthening wheelie bins are at risk from being blown around. Residents are advised to secure them or if empty, to lay them flat. Bin collection teams will be leaving the emptied bins on their side during this period of high wind.

Some trees and branches are likely to be blown down as the wind reaches its peak early this afternoon, and could cause hazards on the roads. Any such hazards can be reported to Moray Council who will respond as quickly as possible to clear the obstruction. The number to call is 0300 123 4565.

Drivers are advised to be alert to the risks of travelling in such conditions.

Famous for its colony of dolphins, fabulous beaches and more malt whisky distilleries than any where else in Scotland, Moray is a thriving area and a great place to live. Nestling between Aberdeenshire and the Highlands, Moray stretches from Tomintoul in the south to the shores of the Moray Firth, from Keith in the east to Brodie Castle in the west.