The MET office has issued a RED weather warning 
The red weather warning has been issued for most parts of Scotland tomorrow (Friday 24 January 2025). This includes North Ayrshire.
Residents are advised to stay indoors as much as possible tomorrow, especially those living in coastal communities, and to delay travel plans until conditions improve.
The storm is expected to bring peak gusts of between 80mph and 90mph inland and up to 100mph along more exposed coasts and hills.
As well as the strong winds, snow and rain are also expected.
Working arrangements advice for staff:
To ensure the health safety and wellbeing of our employees, the Council has taken the decision to operate only essential services.
If you are unsure if you are an essential worker, please speak to your line manager before travelling.
Staff are advised to CANCEL all non-essential travel, meetings and events.
Colleagues not delivering essential services should work from home and in-person meetings should be rescheduled to virtual meetings where possible. All other employees should work from home if possible.
If you are unable to work from home, you should speak with your manager in relation to any expectations on the day. Our Adverse Weather Policy is available on the Council’s website.
Impacted Council services:
For safety reasons, the Council will close all schools, nurseries, libraries and housing offices across North Ayrshire tomorrow.
There will be no household bin collections on Friday and information on alternative arrangements will be shared on the council’s official social media channels. Residents should NOT put bins out on the street.
All Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) will be shut on Friday and Saturday.
All Customer Service Centres will also be closed but residents can still make contact online by contacting us or by calling 01294 310000 for assistance.
However, the Health and Social Care Partnership will have a staff presence in each office should anyone need to contact the service urgently.
The Council’s Building Services repairs team is postponing all non-essential council housing repairs but will be available over the weekend for emergency repairs.
It is anticipated that services can return to normal working from Monday 27 January.
Employees who work on weekends should check with their line manager in relation to any weekend travel.
Please also keep an eye on North Ayrshire Council social media pages Facebook and X and the Council website for all Service updates.
Please take care during this time everyone and listen to the update from Craig below.
The Storm Éowyn red weather warning will run from 8am to 9pm on Friday 24 January.
It advises people to expect:
- Danger to life as a result of flying debris
- Coastal roads and homes being impacted by large waves and beach material
- Fallen trees on roads and very dangerous driving conditions
- Possible power cuts affecting other services, such as mobile phone coverage
- Damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down
- Roads, bridges and railway lines closed, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights
The Met Office says a red weather warning means dangerous conditions with widespread disruption.
“The safety of our residents and staff comes first in emergency situations like this. We would advise everyone – where possible – to stay safe and stay at home. There will be disruption to some of our services, and we will update residents via our website and social media channels.”
Craig Hatton, Chief Executive