Warning: Yellow

To expect: Wind

Affected area: Multiple, listed below

Start time estimate: Saturday 6pm

End time estimate: Sunday noon

Storm Dave prompts the Met Office to issue a Yellow wind warning for several regions across the UK for Saturday and Sunday.

The warning is covering parts of Central, Tayside and Fife, Grampian, Highlands and Eilean Siar, North East England, SW Scotland, Lothian Borders, Strathclyde. All local areas affected are listed below.

The regions will be affected by high winds, starting at around 6pm on Saturday. The intense winds will continue sweeping through the areas until Sunday noon.

The Yellow alert for wind was issued at 10:57am on Thursday, April 2.

A Met Office forecast said: “A rapidly deepening area of low pressure, Storm Dave, is likely to move northeastwards close to or across northwestern parts of the UK during Saturday evening and night, clearing to the North Sea by Sunday. Whilst there is some uncertainty over the exact track, intensity and shape of this area of low pressure, a period of strong west to southwesterly winds is expected during Saturday night and into the first part of Easter Sunday, before gradually easing through the day. Peak gusts of 50-60 mph will be possible fairly widely, with 60-70 mph in more exposed locations. There is a slight chance of some very strong winds at times where gusts of 80-90 mph may be possible in exposed areas for a time. Large waves may lead to some dangerous conditions around windward coasts.”

What to expect

Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible; Some roads and bridges may close; Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage; Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could happen; Injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible; 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 hazardous winds?

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.

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

Central, Tayside and Fife
Angus, Clackmannanshire, Dundee, Falkirk, Fife, Perth and Kinross, Stirling

Grampian
Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray

Highlands and Eilean Siar
Eilean Siar, Highland

North East England
Northumberland

SW Scotland, Lothian Borders
Dumfries and Galloway, East Lothian, Edinburgh, Midlothian Council, Scottish Borders, West Lothian

Strathclyde
Argyll and Bute, East Ayrshire, East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow, Inverclyde, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire

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 Sunday.