MASSIVE waves whipped up by fierce winds have caused havoc in parts of the far north.
Businesses in Caithness have been left counting the cost of damage caused by 25ft waves while the Western Isles is braced for further storms. The far north coast was deluged by mountainous seas due to a dangerous combination of high tides and strong winds.
One of the worst affected areas was Wick Harbour which was hit by deluge of sea water at high tide on Saturday prompting police to warn onlookers not risk their lives.
The town’s harbourmaster said last night that the storm was worse than the one in December 2012 which caused around £500,000 worth of damage.
The Western Isles were also hit by the extreme high tides which flooded the Stornoway town centre enough for two surfers to take to the main street.
The islands are battening down the hatches for further flooding today as forecasters warn of hurricane force winds.
Wick Harbourmaster Malcolm Bremner will head out this morning to begin the dispiriting task of counting up the damage caused by the storm.
He said last night: “It was severe storm conditions. Just as bad, if not worse, than the storm before. The local street was blocked off and there is debris, stones and boulders lying around. I’ll be out tomorrow to look at the damage.”
He said yesterday was the first day the harbour was open after being closed for three weeks due to south easterly gales.
He added: “I’ve been working here for 21 years and that’s the longest I can remember it being closed for.”
Mr Bremner said the extreme waves at high tide around noon on Saturday drew a crowd who tried to get as close as they could to the action, causing problems for him and the police.
The police stationed a car at the affected area to keep people back and issued a warning that the spectators were risking their lives.
A police spokesman said: “Police in Wick are seeking to remind members of the public about the possible dangers associated with flooding after a number of people have been reported as ‘sightseeing’ near the shore and Scalesburn areas of Wick and may be placing themselves at significant risk.
“The public have been asked to please consider not only their own safety but also that of the emergency services in what could end up as a potentially life threatening situation. Police thank the public for their assistance in this matter.”
The Wick River also burst its banks and seawater flooded some streets surrounding the harbour, leading to the closure of Martha Terrace.
The streets reopened yesterday but the weather continued to cause problems for the Hebrides with several CalMac ferries cancelled or on amber alert for disruption.
The Oban to Castlebay and Lochboisdale ferry was cancelled yesterday and today due to the high winds.
A CalMac spokesman said: “Weather permitting, the service will resume with the 1540 departure from Oban on Tuesday February 4 as per timetable. Intending passengers from these cancelled sailings are advised to rebook or use an alternative route where possible. Calmac Ferries apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.”
Today’s sailing between Mallaig and the Small Isles was also cancelled because of the weather.
The wild weather means senior pupils will be unable to sit prelim exams at Castlebay secondary school today.
The tests will be rescheduled.
Schools in Barra will not open today and bus services on the island will be limited due to the high risk of gusts in exposed areas.
The MV Clansman ferry is storm-bound in Stornoway this morning while the freight vessel MV Hebridean Isles did not venture out of port overnight.
And the Outer Hebrides are facing more ferocious weather today.
The Met Office issued a warning that south easterly gusts exceeding 70mph are to hit with an extreme high tide around 9am.
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency warned this could lead to overtopping in coastal areas and across causeways.