Warning: Amber
To expect: Wind
Affected areas: Highlands and Eilean Siar, Strathclyde
Start time estimate: Tuesday 4pm
End time estimate: Tuesday 11pm
The Met Office has issued an Amber wind warning for Highlands and Eilean Siar as well as Strathclyde for Tuesday, with conditions linked to Storm Bram.
The warning is covering parts of Highlands and Eilean Siar, Strathclyde. All local areas affected are listed below.
The regions will be lashed by severe winds. The strong gusts are forecast to start on Tuesday at around 4pm and persist until 11pm.
The Amber alert for wind was announced at 10:30am on Monday, December 8.
A Met Office forecast said: “A short spell of very strong southwesterly winds are expected to develop as Storm Bram passes close to northwest Scotland on Tuesday evening and night. Gusts of 70-80 mph are expected for a few hours with a chance that a few places may experience gusts of up to 90 mph. Heavy rain will accompany these strong winds and may exacerbate impacts.”
What to expect
There is potential for large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties; Roads, bridges and railway lines may close, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights; Power cuts could occur and affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage; Damage to buildings and homes is possible, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down; Flying debris could result in a danger to life.
What should you do?
Prepare to protect your property and people from injury. Check for loose items outside your home and plan how you could secure them. Items include; bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences. Windy weather can cause delays and make travel conditions dangerous. Follow these few simple steps to prepare before journeys. Check bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary. If driving, check road conditions and ensure you have essentials in your car (warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, an in-car phone charger). 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 regions affected
Highlands and Eilean Siar
Eilean Siar, Highland
Strathclyde
Argyll and Bute
What is an amber 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 Amber weather alert for wind will remain in place until 11pm on Tuesday.