SEPA issues Flood Warning for St Margaret's Hope with Amber flood risk and Yellow wind warning for Orkney

SEPA has issued a Flood Warning for St Margaret's Hope, where flooding of low-lying land, roads and properties is expected on Tuesday 27 October from approximately 9:30am, Orkney Islands Council announced on 26 October 2026¹. The warning comes alongside a wider Amber flood risk for coastal and tidal flooding across Orkney and a Met Office Yellow weather warning for wind, in place for Orkney from 3am to 9pm on Tuesday¹.

The council said a storm surge, large waves and strong winds are expected on top of spring tides, with the highest risk around high tide, when wave overtopping, spray and coastal damage are likely¹. Strong south-westerly winds are expected during the day, with gusts of 50-60mph possible and potentially higher in exposed coastal areas, easing later on Tuesday¹. A Flood Warning is also in place at the Churchill Barriers, where strong winds and large waves could lead to disruption, particularly around high tide¹.

Source: Orkney Islands Council¹

The council's Roads team will be on standby to deploy flood defences in Kirkwall and St Margaret's Hope if conditions worsen, with the situation to be reviewed first thing on Tuesday morning¹. As a precaution, cars should be removed from the Waterfront West-Shapinsay Slip car park in Kirkwall, and the Cromarty Slip and Front Road area in St Margaret's Hope, by 8am on Tuesday; if the defences are deployed, access to and from Kirkwall Pier and the wider harbour area may be affected while the gates are in place¹. Sandbags will be available to collect outside the council's depots at Hatston in Kirkwall and Garson in Stromness, and from the amenity site at St Margaret's Hope¹.

Orkney Ferries has advised of possible disruption across all services on Tuesday, with some sailings already cancelled and a number of others under review¹. Bus services may be affected at short notice, and the council directs passengers to Stagecoach's service updates page¹. Power cuts are possible and can be reported to SSEN by calling 105 or through SSEN's Power Track, which also gives updates¹.

Why it matters for households

The Flood Warning covers properties as well as low-lying land and roads in St Margaret's Hope from about 9:30am on Tuesday, and the council states that residents and businesses there should take action now to protect their property¹. Across Orkney, the Amber risk means coastal and tidal flooding is possible through the day, with the greatest likelihood around high tide¹. The council advises people to take care near the shore, avoid coastal routes around high tide where they can, and secure loose items outside the home, including bins, garden furniture and trampolines¹. It also encourages residents and visitors to sign up to SEPA's Floodline service to receive flood alerts and warnings by phone, through the SEPA website or by calling 0345 988 1188¹. The types of flooding guide sets out how coastal and tidal flooding differs from river and surface water flooding, and the coastal flooding guide covers tidal surges and erosion.

Travel is affected in several ways: ferry sailings are cancelled or under review, buses may change at short notice, and access around Kirkwall Pier and the harbour may be restricted if flood gates are installed¹. Households can check the Met Office warning levels explained page for what Yellow and Amber warnings mean, and the flood warnings guide for how SEPA's warnings are graded. The council asks people to plan travel and outdoor work or activities accordingly and to keep an eye on its social media and website for the latest information¹.

What happens next

The council's Roads team will review the situation first thing on Tuesday morning and will deploy flood defences in Kirkwall and St Margaret's Hope if conditions worsen¹. Winds are expected to ease later on Tuesday¹. No further timing for the flood warning being lifted has been reported. Households can sign up for alerts through SEPA Floodline sign-up and for Met Office warnings through Met Office weather alert sign-up; the checklist when a flood warning is issued and the household flooding guide cover preparation, and the home insurance and Flood Re guide covers cover in flood risk areas.