Warning: Yellow
To expect: Wind
Affected areas: Highlands and Eilean Siar, Orkney and Shetland, Strathclyde
Start time estimate: Wednesday midnight
End time estimate: Wednesday noon
The Met Office has issued a Yellow wind warning for Highlands and Eilean Siar, Orkney and Shetland and Strathclyde for Wednesday.
The warning is covering parts of Highlands and Eilean Siar, Orkney and Shetland, Strathclyde. All local areas affected are listed below.
Hazardous winds are set to hit the regions on Wednesday at around midnight. The strong winds are expected to continue battering the areas until noon.
The Yellow warning for wind was announced at 10:19am on Tuesday, March 10.
A Met Office forecast said: “A period of severe gales is likely to develop overnight Tuesday into Wednesday across the Outer and Inner Hebrides, steadily transferring northeast across other exposed parts of northwest mainland Scotland and into Orkney during Wednesday morning. Gusts of 65-70 mph are possible, with a small chance that a few locations could see gusts of 75-80 mph. Rain and blustery showers will accompany the strongest winds.”
What to expect
Some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are possible; Delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges likely; Some short term loss of power and other services is likely; 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 intense 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
Highlands and Eilean Siar
Eilean Siar, Highland
Orkney and Shetland
Orkney Islands
Strathclyde
Argyll and Bute
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 place until noon on Wednesday.