Elected Member Briefing - Adverse weather update, 20 January 2024

About this Briefing Note

Report by: Mary Willis, Communications and Design Co-ordinator

EMBN Number: 003-24

Date: 20 January 2024

Subject: Adverse weather update, 20 January 2024

Responsible Officer: Barbara Renton, Executive Director (Communities)

Details

Purpose

This Briefing Note provides an update to Elected Members on preparations for forecast adverse weather as a result of Storm Isha in Perth and Kinross. 

Update

The Met Office have today (Saturday 20 January 2024) issued a new amber weather warning for wind predicting potential high impact covering a large part of Scotland, including Perth and Kinross, from 9pm tomorrow (Sunday 21 January) to 9am on Monday 22 January, linked to Storm Isha. Additionally, a yellow wind warning has also been issued for the period from 4pm Tuesday 23 to 12noon Wednesday 24 January.  

These now sit alongside the existing yellow weather warning for rain from 3pm until 11.59pm tomorrow. Further information is available from the Met Office website. 

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution have also confirmed today that they have moved to a yellow alert for impact on the power network in the north of Scotland. They have activated their own contingency plans and are contacting customers on their Priority Services Register to offer tailored help and advice. Additionally they have advised that any loss of supply or damage to powerlines/equipment should be reporting by calling 105. 

Flooding

Council officers are keeping in contact with SEPA regarding the potential for flooding issues. Tide and flow predictions for the River Tay catchment suggest a maximum river height on Monday morning and therefore we intend to have staff attend at Perth Harbour at that time, unless conditions require prior action. You will already be aware that the flood gates on the South Inch have been closed as a precaution due to the yellow weather warning. 

Preparing for Storm Isha

As a result of the current forecast conditions, a Local Resilience Partnership is being called for tomorrow and a meeting of the IMT will also be held. Our Parking and Civil Contingencies provision is being put on standby and contact is being made with community resilience groups locally. 

Additionally, we will be: 

• Making contact with Council staff willing to assist with the set up and running of rest centres, should this become necessary.

• Alerting local public transport providers given the potential impact on services as a result of high winds and rain.  

We will provide further updates as appropriate following tomorrow's IMT.