East Renfrewshire Council has announced it will close all schools tomorrow (Friday) ahead of Storm Eowyn battering Scotland.
Announcing the decision on Thursday afternoon, the council said that all primary and secondary schools and early learning and childcare centres will remain closed on Friday as the region braces for winds up to 90mph.
The Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning for “very strong winds” that could present a “danger to life”, which is in force from 10am until 5pm.
Updating parents on the situation, the council said: “All schools, nursery classes and family centres will be closed on Friday, January 24, due to the potential impacts of Storm Eowyn.
“This is a difficult decision to take and we understand the impact on parents and carers, however, the safety of children and young people is paramount.”
They added: “Bin collections have also been suspended for the day, so please don’t put out your bin.
“All facilities run by East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure, which includes leisure centres, libraries, and community halls, will also be closed.
“Our Eastwood HQ and Barrhead offices will be closed, with residents able to contact us via phone or online.”
The Met Office said that the storm could cause a “danger to life” over “flying debris”, very dangerous driving conditions with fallen trees on roads, power cuts, damage to buildings and homes and roads, bridges and railway lines could close.
A Met Office forecaster said: “Southwesterly then westerly winds will rapidly increase from west to east Friday mid-morning onwards into the afternoon, with peak gusts of 80-90mph fairly widely and perhaps up to 100mph along exposed western coasts.
“This brings the risk of significant disruption to transport and power supplies as well as dangerous conditions outdoors. Winds will gradually ease through Friday evening.”
In addition, a yellow and amber weather warning is in place between 6am and midnight on Friday.
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