Warning: Yellow

To expect: Wind

Affected areas: Highlands and Eilean Siar, Strathclyde

Start time estimate: Sunday 9pm

End time estimate: Monday 8am

The Met Office has announced an updated Yellow wind warning for Highlands and Eilean Siar as well as Strathclyde for Sunday and Monday. All local areas affected are listed below.

The regions will be affected by gale-force winds, starting at around 9pm on Sunday. The strong gusts will continue battering the areas until Monday 8am.

The updated Yellow warning for wind was announced at 9:39am on Sunday, January 11.

A Met Office forecast said: “A spell of strong southwesterly winds will develop on Sunday evening before easing during Monday morning. Gusts of 50-60 mph are expected widely. A brief spell of 70-80 mph gusts, perhaps 85 mph in the most exposed locations, are likely to affect parts of the Hebrides and western Highland coast late evening through the early hours of Monday morning.”

What to expect

There is a small chance of injuries and danger to life from flying debris; There is a slight chance of some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs; There is a small chance of longer journey times or cancellations as road, rail, air and ferry services are affected; There is a small chance that some roads and bridges could close; There is a slight chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage; There is a small chance that 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 high 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 regions affected

Highlands and Eilean Siar
Eilean Siar, Highland

Strathclyde
Argyll and Bute

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 8am on Monday.