Visitors urged to avoid forests during Storm Éowyn
Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is asking people to avoid forests it manages particularly across the central belt and parts of southwest Scotland along with exposed western coastal areas this weekend as a rare Met Office red storm warning is in effect.
The warning for Storm Éowyn is for peak gusts of 80-90mph to impact widely in areas covered by the red alert from 10:00 to 17:00 on Friday with amber and yellow alerts across the rest of Scotland.
A further yellow weather warning is in place for parts of Scotland on Saturday.
Graeme Prest, FLS Director of Land Management and Regions, said:
“Everyone has seen the impact of past storms and is aware of how much havoc strong winds can do. Storm Éowyn is no different and with a rare red alert has the potential to cause significant damage to some of our forests within its path.
“We would now ask that for the duration of the red storm warning on Friday and also across the weekend people avoid visiting any of our forests in the areas covered by the alert in the interests of their own safety. Even when the wind dies down, it may be unsafe to venture into forests due to unseen damage.
“Members of the public have been very cooperative in staying out of previously affected forests and we appeal to the public to obey any visitor safety signage they see."
A number of FLS visitor centres and offices will also be closed.
The Met Office warns that travel is likely to be affected (including some roads and bridges closing), that some damage to buildings might occur, and that flying debris could result in injuries and danger to life.
Members of the public are asked to check the Traffic Scotland website and channels for the latest travel updates.
Notes to editors
- Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.
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- Media enquiries to Neil Ratley, Media Manager, Forestry and Land Scotland Media Office 07748 872785 or neil.ratley@forestryandland.gov.scot