Three Scots councils have closed all of its schools and nurseries tomorrow ahead of the 100mph winds expected in Storm Éowyn.
On Friday, a rare red weather warning for wind comes into force at 10am lasting until 5pm. The areas covered by the dangers to life warning are Central, Tayside & Fife, south west Scotland, Lothian Borders (including Edinburgh) and Strathclyde (including Glasgow).
East Lothian, East Ayrshire and Glasgow City Council have now announced that their schools and early learning centres will be closed on essential safety grounds as forecasters are warning of flying debris resulting in danger to life, as well as “very dangerous” driving conditions because of fallen trees.
The authority’s Head of Education at East Lothian Council, Nicola McDowell, wrote to parents and carers informing them of the decision. In her letter she said: “I am writing to advise you that schools will be closed on Friday, January 24 on essential safety grounds.
“The Met Office has advised us that East Lothian is covered by a red weather warning for wind tomorrow from 10am to 5pm. This means that very strong winds associated with Storm Éowyn will cause very dangerous conditions and significant disruption. They advise that people should avoid travelling by road during potentially dangerous conditions and stay indoors if they can.
“This decision has been taken with the health and welfare of our children, families and staff in mind. Schools will reopen on Monday, January 27. Your own school will be in touch with you with information on what remote learning will look like for your child tomorrow.”
While a statement from East Ayrshire Council read: “The Council has taken the decision to close all schools and Early Childhood Centres, and SL33 and SL66 on Friday 24 January.
“This is a difficult decision to take and the Council understands the impact on parents and carers, however the safety of children and young people is paramount. Updates on any further impact to service provision will be provided throughout the day.”
Glasgow City Council posted: “Due to Storm Éowyn all our Schools and Council Nurseries will be closed tomorrow (Friday, January 24). Your school/nursery will provide further updates directly to you. Please take care.”
It’s expected there could be power cuts, damage to buildings and homes, and delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights caused by winds of up to 100mph. An amber warning is also in place for the whole country from 6am tomorrow which runs until 9pm.
Prominent BBC weather forecaster Judith Ralston described the storm as one that she has “not seen anything like in my career”. This came after First Minister John Swinney told the Scottish Parliament: “We have to be clear, people should not travel and Police Scotland will issue a formal ‘do not travel’ advisory notice shortly. Councils will make decisions today on school closures.
“Red weather warnings like this are very rare. Our message is simple, please follow the advice from the Met Office and the police, take this seriously and stay safe.”
Thousands of Rangers fans could also face being stranded in Manchester this weekend as Storm Eowyn is set to wreak havoc on travel plans home from their Europa League tie with Manchester United at Old Trafford tonight.
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