Warning: Yellow

To expect: Wind

Affected areas: Highlands and Eilean Siar, Strathclyde

Start time estimate: Saturday 7pm

End time estimate: Sunday 7am

The Met Office has announced a Yellow wind warning for Highlands and Eilean Siar and Strathclyde until Sunday morning.

The warning is covering parts of Highlands and Eilean Siar, Strathclyde. All local areas affected are listed below.

The regions will be affected by high winds, starting at around 7pm on Saturday. The strong winds will continue lashing the areas until Sunday 7am.

The Yellow alert for wind was issued at 10:58am on Saturday, January 25.

A Met Office forecast said: “Winds will increase across the area Saturday evening in association with bands of showers. Gusts of 45-55 mph are likely, especially for coasts and hills. Showers and strong winds will ease and clear Sunday morning. Whilst these sorts of wind gusts are not unusual for the area, after Storm Éowyn, impacts may be more likely than normal.”

What to expect

Some delays to road, rail, 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 gale-force 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 https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings.

Full list of local areas affected

Highlands and Eilean Siar
Eilean Siar, Highland

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 effect until 7am on Sunday.