Warning: Yellow
To expect: Wind
Affected areas: Grampian, Highlands and Eilean Siar, Orkney and Shetland
Start time estimate: Sunday 1am
End time estimate: Sunday 10am
Storm Amy prompts the Met Office to announce a Yellow wind warning for several regions across the UK for Sunday.
The warning is covering parts of Grampian, Highlands and Eilean Siar, Orkney and Shetland. All local areas affected are listed below.
Grampian, Highlands and Eilean Siar as well as Orkney and Shetland will be impacted by high winds, starting at around 1am on Sunday. The strong gusts will continue lashing the areas until 10am.
The Yellow alert for wind was announced at 11:08am on Friday, October 3.
A Met Office forecast said: “Strong west to northwesterly winds are expected to continue across the Northern Isles and far north and northeast of mainland Scotland through the first part of Sunday, as Storm Amy slowly pulls away to the east. Gusts of 60 to 70 mph are possible through the early hours, especially in more exposed areas, but winds should moderate from the west through the morning.”
What to expect
Some delays to road, air and ferry transport are likely; Probably some bus and train services affected, with some journeys taking longer; Delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges likely; Some short term loss of power and other services is possible; It’s likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves.
What should you do during strong winds?
Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary. People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items. If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves. Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea. Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area. For further details see Met Office Warnings & Advice.
Full list of local areas affected
Grampian
Aberdeenshire, Moray
Highlands and Eilean Siar
Highland
Orkney and Shetland
Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands
What is a yellow weather warning?
The Met Office has three categories of weather warning, depending on the likely impact of severe weather and also how likely it is to strike in a particular area.
A yellow warning is issued when weather conditions are expected to disrupt travel and traffic and may impact on daily routines but are not likely to pose a risk to life or property.
An amber warning is more severe and advises people to think about changing their plans to minimise the risk.
A red warning means weather conditions are expected to be dangerous with widespread damage to property and a risk to life, with the public usually advised to avoid travelling.
The Yellow weather alert for wind will remain in effect until 10am on Sunday.