Warning as ‘weather bomb’ approaches Scotland

Power cuts, travel disruptions and possible damage to buildings are expected this weekend as Storm Ashley sweeps across Scotland, bringing high winds and rain.

The Met Office has issued an amber high wind warning for some western areas on Friday, with gusts of 70-80 mph (113-129km/h) expected.

A yellow alert for gusts of up to 60 mph (97km/h) covers the entire country, and for northern areas it will last Monday’s rush hour.

Meteorologists said Storm Ashley, the first named storm of the season, will see a flash of pressure when it moves from the Atlantic on Saturday night – an event called “weather bomb”.

The phrase is taken from the US term “bomogenesis”, which is used to describe a drop in pressure of at least 24 millibars in 24 hours.

That will cause high winds, which coincide with high tides – bringing the risk of large waves and overtopping the coast.

The Met Office said there was a good chance of power cuts in the amber warning area which stretches from Argyll to Cape Wrath in the north, and includes many of the country’s island communities.

There is also damage to buildings such as boxes blown off, some bridges and road closures, train cancellations and risk to life from high waves during the amber warning period from Sunday, which is open from 09:00 to midnight.

A yellow warning for all of Scotland and Northern Ireland, and parts of north-west England and Wales is in place between 03:00 and midnight.

Continue in the north of Scotland until 09:00 on Monday morning.

Flood warning – meaning flooding is expected – has also been issued by the UK environment agency.

In the UK, Sunday’s Great South Run has been cancelled. The 10-mile race in Portsmouth was pulled after organizers said they could not deliver the event safely due to the weather.

Several ferry routes in Scotland have been canceled on Sunday, including Ardrossan – Brodick, Troon – Brodick, and Oban – Castlebay.

CalMac has warned that more services could be canceled quickly on Sunday and Monday. Passengers are advised check the status of the ferry ahead of time.

And a major bridge over the M8 motorway in Glasgow, planned for the weekend, has been postponed until October 25-28.

In Argyll, the Old Military Road has been opened as a precaution should the A83 Rest And Be Thankful have to be closed due to rain, Bear Scotland – which maintains the road – said.

Transport Scotland spokesman Danny Chalmers told BBC News that people across Scotland should be on “high alert”, and that all areas can expect some travel disruption on Sunday.

He said: “Please be extra careful as this is the first storm of the season and people may not be used to driving in very windy conditions.

“We had record storms last year, so we ask people to check before they travel and allow extra time for travel.

“If you get 80mph winds there will be a significant impact on ferries and speed limits on journeys and bridges. Police Scotland has been very clear that there will be an impact on transport.

He admits that many people are still suffering after last year’s stormespecially in Brechin, Angus, who were battered by Storm Babet and still haven’t returned to their homes.

Mr Chalmers added: “You can’t predict the size of these storms, unfortunately.”

He said the wind could affect HGVs and other drivers should be aware of fallen trees or debris on the road.

Ch Supt Hilary Sloan, head of roads policing at Police Scotland, urged drivers in amber alert areas to plan ahead.

“When you travel, make sure your vehicle has enough fuel and is roadworthy,” he said.

“Make sure your cell phone is fully charged in case you need to call for help and if you may be in your vehicle for a long time, take extra clothes and water.”

The Met Office is also advising people to check items that are not outside the home such as trampolines or garden furniture.

Train operator ScotRail also issued advice ahead of Sunday’s disruption, urging travelers to check their services were still running.

Scott Prentice, director of strategy and planning at the operator, added: “To keep customers and staff safe, speed limits will be in place as a precautionary measure on some routes in Scotland, which could mean longer journey times.”

Meanwhile Network Rail said some routes around the country will be subject to speed limitsincluding the Aberdeen – Dundee and West Highland lines.

The operator’s maintenance team will conduct additional checks prior to extreme weather in areas known to be at risk of flooding.

Storm Ashley will pack quite a punch in terms of wind strength, with gusts of 70 – 80mph in the amber warning zone, and 50 – 70mph gusts elsewhere in Scotland.

The timing of this storm will also increase its impact. High tides now due to the full moon will increase the risk of flooding and coastal disturbances.

At the beginning of this season, many trees still have their leaves, which makes them prone to damage or even fall in high winds.

And in many cases, garden furniture and toys are still missing – so make sure anything that can blow over is safe.

The strongest winds are likely to occur on Sunday afternoon, which occurs in the evening and overnight.

It will still be windy on Monday, especially in the north, but the wind will moderate as the day progresses. Tuesday and Wednesday seem to be quieter.