Weather update

Severe gales are continuing to hit our region and current conditions are expected to continue into this evening. Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary is still advising people not to travel and a severe weather warning will be in place until 9pm on Thursday 8th December.

Chief Constable Patrick Shearer commended the response from the public so far, he said, ‘This is one of the first occasions we have had a level four warning which specifically asks motorists not to drive. We understand the inconvenience and disruption this causes but I would thank communities throughout the region for working with us to keep the roads as safe as possible and for sharing information local to their area. Driving conditions throughout the evening will continue to be difficult and communities again asked to avoid driving wherever possible.’

Communities in our region are being affected with some areas experiencing power cuts and there is potential for further outages throughout the evening. If you experience a power cut it is likely you will be without power overnight and everyone in the area should make a plan.

Everyone in the area is being encouraged to cook a hot meal if they have

power, have candles and battery operated torches ready and keep an eye out for their neighbours, particularly elderly or vulnerable neighbours to ensure they are managing to keep warm. If you are in an area without power and have a gas cooker you may be able to supply neighbours with hot food and drink. This advice should only be taken up if it is safe to do so. If you currently have power you should to charge your mobile telephone now in case of an emergency later on in the evening.

The Chief Executive of Dumfries and Galloway Council Gavin Stevenson commented, ‘We have been working with all agencies across our region to minimise the impact of this severe storm which has taken hold across Scotland. We have a number of communities without power this evening and are working with Scottish Power to restore these homes as quickly as possible. Our schools will be open as normal tomorrow morning and parents should check local circumstances by using our Council website calling us on 030 33 33 3000 or by tuning into local media.’

For the most up to date information you should tune into local radio, if your power goes out plan ahead and use battery operated or car radios if available or check www.dumgal.gov.uk/readydg.

If you have any concerns you should contact our Council Call Centre on 030 33 33 3000.

For more details on the severe weather warnings go to:

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/uk_forecast_warnings.html