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Severe Weather

Severe Weather — preview

Findochty is an exposed coastal village on the Moray Firth. Storms, coastal flooding, and severe cold are the most likely weather emergencies affecting residents. This page covers what to expect and what to do.

Met Office weather warnings - know the levels
⚠ Yellow - Be aware ⚠ Amber - Be prepared ⚠ Red - Take action
Check current warnings for the Moray coast at metoffice.gov.uk, or sign up for email alerts. At Amber or Red, take preparedness steps before the weather arrives.

Storms and high winds

The Moray coast regularly experiences Atlantic storms, particularly between autumn and spring. High winds can bring down trees, damage roofs, disrupt power, and make coastal areas dangerous. The harbour area and seafront can be particularly exposed to wave action during storms.

Before
  • Check the Met Office forecast
  • Secure or bring in garden furniture and loose items
  • Park away from trees
  • Charge phones and power banks
  • Have torches and a battery radio to hand
During
  • Stay indoors where possible
  • Keep away from Sterlochy Pier and the harbour area - waves can overtop without warning
  • Avoid driving unless essential
  • Stay away from damaged trees and structures
  • If power is lost, call 105
After
  • Check on neighbours
  • Report damage to roads or streetlighting to Moray Council
  • Do not touch fallen power lines - call 105
  • Document any property damage for insurance
Storms and wind guidance - Ready Scotland

Flooding

Findochty has specific coastal flood risk around the harbour. Waves regularly wash over Sterlochy Pier - a designated danger area - and during storms the harbour area off Sterlochy Street can be affected by wave action and water ingress. Surface water flooding can also affect lower-lying streets during heavy rainfall. If you live or park near the harbour, be aware of conditions before and during storms.

Check your flood risk

If flooding is forecast

  • Move your vehicle away from Sterlochy Street and the harbour area
  • Move valuables, medications and important documents above ground level
  • Fit any flood protection products you have
  • Know how to turn off your gas and electricity at the mains
  • Charge mobile phones and power banks

During a flood

  • Follow instructions from emergency services — evacuate if asked
  • Do not walk or drive through flood water
  • Stay away from Sterlochy Pier and the harbour area — wave overtopping is dangerous
  • Turn off electricity at the mains if water is entering your home
  • Call 105 if you lose power
Flooding guidance - Ready Scotland Scottish Flood Forum - preparing for flooding

Cold weather, snow and ice

Cold snaps can bring frozen pipes, power cuts, and hazardous roads and pavements. Coastal exposure means wind chill can be significant even when temperatures aren't severely low. Older residents and those with health conditions are particularly at risk.

Prepare your home

  • Know where your stopcock is in case of a burst pipe
  • Insulate pipes in unheated spaces (loft, garage, under floors)
  • Keep your home heated to at least 18°C in rooms you use regularly
  • Have a torch, battery radio, and extra blankets accessible
  • Keep a small supply of food and medication in case roads become impassable

Power cuts

Cold weather increases the likelihood of power cuts. Call 105 free of charge to report a power cut or get an estimated restoration time. You can also track outages on the Power Cut 105 website.

If you or someone you know relies on powered medical equipment, register with the Priority Services Register to receive extra support from your energy supplier during outages.

Frozen or burst pipes

  • Turn off the water at the stopcock immediately if a pipe bursts
  • Do not use boiling water to thaw a frozen pipe - use warm water or a heat pad
  • Contact Scottish Water on 0800 077 8778 if you lose your water supply

Look out for others

Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours during cold spells, particularly if they live alone. A brief phone call or visit can make a significant difference. If you're concerned about someone's welfare, contact Moray Council out of hours on 03457 565656.

Cold weather guidance — Ready Scotland

Stay updated during severe weather

During significant weather events FCC posts updates on our Facebook page. For authoritative real-time information use the following sources:

Findochty Community Council

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