Warning: Yellow

To expect: Wind

Affected areas: Grampian, Highlands and Eilean Siar, Orkney and Shetland

Start time estimate: Wednesday 9pm

End time estimate: Thursday 9am

The Met Office has issued a Yellow wind warning for several regions across the UK until Thursday morning.

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 lashed by strong gusts. The high winds are anticipated to start on Wednesday at around 9pm and continue sweeping through the areas until Thursday 9am.

The Yellow warning for wind was issued at 9:35am on Wednesday, December 31.

A Met Office forecast said: “Northwesterly gales or severe gales will develop during Hogmanay evening and then peak through the early hours of New Years day, before slowly beginning to ease a little later on Thursday morning. Peak gusts of around 60 mph are possible fairly widely, and potentially in excess of 70 mph for some exposed headlands and high ground.”

What to expect

Some delays to road, air and ferry transport are likely; Probably some bus 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 intense winds?

Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus 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

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 place until 9am on Thursday.