People are being advised to avoid unnecessary travel where possible
Author: Molly TulettPublished 7 minutes ago
People are being advised to plan ahead before travelling as Storm Ashley brings winds of up to 80mph to parts of Scotland.
The west coast is set to be hardest hit by the first named storm of the season, with an Amber weather warning in place for gusts of up to 80mph for the north-west from 9am until midnight on Sunday.
The Met Office said: “injuries and danger to life is likely from large waves and beach material being thrown on to coastal roads, sea fronts and properties”.
It joins a yellow warning for winds of up to 60mph across the whole country, and Northern Ireland, from 3am until midnight on Sunday.
“Injuries and danger to life is likely”
Ferry operator CalMac has cancelled the majority of sailings for the day, with Arran, Bute, Lewis and Harris being cut off as a result of the adverse sea conditions.
Similarly, P&O Ferries announced on Friday there would be no services running between Larne in Northern Ireland and Cairnryan on Sunday.
The Met Office’s Zoe Hutin is warning of flying debris, power cuts and loss of mobile phone signal in the north, as well as flooding in western coastal areas.
She said: “I think if you’re in Edinburgh or Glasgow you could get away with a couple of longer drier periods later in the afternoon but if you do live a little bit further north, then it could be quite wet for you by the evening on Sunday.
“So, rain to start with a brief dry interlude showers to follow but windy pretty much throughout the day.
“We could see some storm surges”
“There’s a risk of some damage to infrastructure, buildings perhaps seeing some tiles being blown from roofs, and there may be some impacts with regards to electricity power around the around some areas, as well potentially affecting other services such as mobile phone coverage.
“I would also like to highlight that actually we are the peak spring tides at the moment in the month we’ve just had the full moon, so the tides are quite high when they’re coming through.
“That does mean that there’s a chance that with strong winds being at the same time as the highest tides we could see some storm surges as well some large waves around coastal sites, and potential coastal flooding as a result of those strong winds being at the same time as the highest tides in the evening as well.”
Travel disruption
ScotRail has put in precautionary speed limits in Ayrshire, Stranraer, between Perth and Inverness, and in the north west Highlands until Monday morning.
The operator is warning services across the country may be subject to delays or cancellation.
Strategy and planning director Scott Prentice said: “In order to keep our customers and staff safe, speed restrictions will be in place as a precautionary measure on some routes in Scotland, which will mean longer journey times.
“Customers should check their journey before setting off, and keep an eye on our website, app or social media feeds for live updates.”
“Avoid unnecessary travel where possible”
Police Scotland are advising people to avoid unnecessary travel where possible, while Transport Scotland has warned of likely delays to public transport.
Police Scotland’s Head of Road Policing, Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, said: “The amber warning for high winds means that there is a strong likelihood of disruption on the road network and as such, motorists are advised to plan ahead and avoid unnecessary travel where possible.
“Make sure your vehicle has sufficient fuel and is completely roadworthy, with tyre pressure and tread meeting legal requirements.
“Please do not ignore any road signage”
“Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged in the event you need to call for assistance and if it is likely you may be within your vehicle for long periods of time, take additional clothing and water with you.
“Please do not ignore any road signage advising of changes to speed or closures to routes.
“These are in place for your safety and the safety of other road users and listen out for media broadcasts about the weather and how it may be impacting travel.”
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