Warning: Yellow

To expect: Wind

Affected areas: Highlands and Eilean Siar, Orkney and Shetland

Start time estimate: Saturday 1am

End time estimate: Saturday 4pm

The Met Office has announced an updated Yellow wind alert for Highlands and Eilean Siar and Orkney and Shetland for Saturday, with conditions linked to Storm Éowyn.

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

The regions will be affected by intense winds, starting at around 1am on Saturday. The gale-force winds will continue battering the areas until 4pm.

The updated Yellow warning for wind was announced at 12:50pm on Tuesday, January 21.

A Met Office forecast said: “Strong westerly winds will persist through the first part of Saturday as Storm Éowyn moves away to the northeast, with gusts of 40-50 mph inland and 50-60 mph on some exposed coasts and hills. There is a chance of 60-70 mph gusts across Orkney for a time. Winds will ease during the early afternoon.”

What to expect

Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage; Injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible; Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could happen; Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible; Some roads and bridges may close; Injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.

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 https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings.

Full list of local areas affected

Highlands and Eilean Siar
Highland

Orkney and Shetland
Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands

What is an updated 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 4pm on Saturday.