Warning: Yellow

To expect: Wind

Affected areas: SW Scotland, Lothian Borders, Strathclyde

Start time estimate: Tuesday 5am

End time estimate: Tuesday 11pm

The Met Office has issued a Yellow wind alert for SW Scotland, Lothian Borders and Strathclyde for Tuesday, with conditions linked to Storm Chandra.

The warning is covering parts of SW Scotland, Lothian Borders, Strathclyde. All local areas affected are listed below.

The regions will be battered by high winds. The hazardous winds are forecast to start on Tuesday at around 5am and persist until 11pm.

The Yellow alert for wind was announced at 10:29am on Monday, January 26.

A Met Office forecast said: “Storm Chandra will bring a period of strong easterly or southeasterly winds to southwest Scotland during Tuesday. Gusts of 50-60 mph are likely, especially around exposed coasts. Large waves may bringing additional impacts to some coastal areas. Impacts may be higher than normal from winds of this magnitude because of the unusual direction as well as combining with spells of heavy rain.”

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 Met Office Warnings & Advice.

Full list of local areas affected

SW Scotland, Lothian Borders
Dumfries and Galloway

Strathclyde
Argyll and Bute, South Ayrshire

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 11pm on Tuesday.