Warning: Yellow

To expect: Wind

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

Start time estimate: Thursday 4pm

End time estimate: Friday 11am

The Met Office has issued an updated Yellow wind warning for Highlands and Eilean Siar, Orkney and Shetland and Strathclyde for Thursday and Friday.

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

High winds are predicted to sweep through the regions, arriving across the areas at around 4pm on Thursday and will continue lashing until Friday 11am.

The updated Yellow warning for wind was announced at 11:14am on Thursday, November 27.

A Met Office forecast said: “Very strong southwesterly winds will develop during Thursday evening, continuing overnight before easing from the west through Friday morning. Gusts of 60-70 mph are likely widely within the warning area, with a few places seeing gusts in excess of 75 mph at times.”

What to expect

There is a good chance of longer journey times or cancellations as road, air and ferry services are affected; Difficult driving conditions for high-sided vehicles on prone routes, such as cross winds on exposed or high level roads, with a good 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 slight chance of some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, with a small chance of injuries and danger to life from flying debris; 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 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 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

Highlands and Eilean Siar
Eilean Siar, Highland

Orkney and Shetland
Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands

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 11am on Friday.