Home   News   Article

Strong winds from Storm Babet set to continue with heavy rain forecast for Caithness





Big waves crashing over the harbour walls at Wick on Friday afternoon. Picture: Alan Hendry
Big waves crashing over the harbour walls at Wick on Friday afternoon. Picture: Alan Hendry

Caithness and other parts of the north have been battered by Storm Babet for a second day, with strong winds set to continue into the weekend and heavy rain forecast for the county on Saturday.

However, the county has escaped the worst of the conditions with parts of Angus and Aberdeenshire being the worst affected. The Met Office has issued a second red warning in those areas for Saturday with 70 to 100mm rain possible.

ScotRail services were withdrawn on many routes, including Wick/Thurso, with line closures likely to last until early on Saturday.

The NorthLink ferry Hamnavoe is expected to operate to its scheduled timetable between Scrabster and Stromness on Saturday but may be subject to weather delays.

Pentland Ferries' between Gills Bay and St Margaret's Hope are cancelled on Friday and Saturday, with further updates to be provided on the company's website.

Wick/Aberdeen flights have been operating as normal.

Waves rolling in from Wick Bay on Friday afternoon. Picture: Alan Hendry
Waves rolling in from Wick Bay on Friday afternoon. Picture: Alan Hendry

In Wick, big waves have been crashing over the harbour walls. The window of a former shop in the town's Whitechapel Road was blown in and a pharmacy sign fell to the ground in High Street.

There were reports of power outages in the Keiss, John O'Groats and Ousdale areas on Friday and slates were blown from roofs.

Wick weather watcher Keith Banks said: "A force 8 east-south-east gale pummelled Caithness and other parts of the far north from just before daybreak on Thursday until breakfast time on Friday.

"Lots of damaging gusts in the storm force 10 category [55-63 mph] were experienced in Wick together with other exposed locations in the county exposed to the ESE airflow.

"Winds have moderated to a near gale force 7. Nevertheless there are still frequent gusts in the severe gale force 9 category [48-54 mph] affecting the area, with a heavy swell.

"The rainfall total has been substantially less than envisaged. The amount logged in Wick in the 24 hours ending 7am on Friday was just 7.8mm, or 0.31 of an inch.

"The severe weather we've been expecting has been caused by a strong blocking anticyclone centred over Scandinavia."

A pharmacy sign crashed to the ground in Wick's High Street.
A pharmacy sign crashed to the ground in Wick's High Street.

Mr Banks added: "Although there have been not insignificant disruptions and potentially life-threatening hazards caused by Storm Babet here in Caithness since Thursday morning, the impacts could have been much more severe.

"The last time we experienced a gale here in Wick was on February 17, 2023, when Storm Otto produced gusts up to 78.2 mph. That's hurricane force 12."

Confirming that a second red warning was in place for Saturday for parts of eastern Scotland, Met Office chief meteorologist Andy Page said: “This is not usual autumn weather. This is an exceptional event, and we are likely to continue to see significant impacts with the potential for further flooding and damage to properties.

"There are numerous national severe weather warnings in place for both rain and wind over the coming days.

“We have issued a second red warning covering parts of Angus and Aberdeenshire for Saturday with 70-100 mm rain possible. This has the potential to cause further impacts in this already hard-hit area.”

A big swell in Wick Bay on Friday afternoon. Picture: Alan Hendry
A big swell in Wick Bay on Friday afternoon. Picture: Alan Hendry

ScotRail service delivery director David Simpson said: “The impact of Storm Babet, with heavy rain across eastern Scotland, and heavy rain and high winds in central and northern Scotland, has been extremely challenging.

“We want to thank customers for their continuing understanding as we make all possible efforts to inspect routes for damage, before reopening them when it is judged safe to do so.

“We know the impact the withdrawal of some train services has on customers, but our first priority is always to ensure the safety of our staff and customers.

“For routes in the south and west of Scotland, customers are encouraged to check their journey before setting off, and keep an eye on our website, mobile app or social media channels for live updates.”

Stein Connelly, from Transport Scotland, said: “Storm Babet has created some extremely challenging conditions for communities and across the transport network. The latest advice from the Met Office, further to the existing warnings, is that the north and north east of Scotland will experience further severe weather on Saturday.

“There has been a coordinated response through the night, and we’re doing all we can to reopen impacted trunk roads and to support essential travel – but the advice remains to plan ahead and to expect a high risk of disruption if you do need to travel across amber areas."

  • If you have any weather stories or photos to share, please get in touch at editor@nosn.co.uk

Stormy conditions in Wick Bay on Friday. Picture: Alan Hendry
Stormy conditions in Wick Bay on Friday. Picture: Alan Hendry

Stones and debris thrown into the the access road to the North Baths. Picture: Alan Hendry
Stones and debris thrown into the the access road to the North Baths. Picture: Alan Hendry

Keeping a safe distance for a phone picture. Picture: Alan Hendry
Keeping a safe distance for a phone picture. Picture: Alan Hendry


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.


This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More