WEATHER WARNING IN PLACE AS STORM CAROLINE BRINGS WINDS OF 90MPH
A MET OFFICE AMBER WEATHER WARNING HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THE FAR NORTH OF SCOTLAND WITH GUSTS EXPECTED OF AROUND 70-80MPH AND 90MPH IN MORE EXPOSED AREAS.
Storm Caroline is expected to bring a spell of very windy weather to northern Scotland. Gusts of 70 to 80 mph are expected widely with gusts to 90 mph possible in exposed areas. Flying debris is likely and could lead to injuries or danger to life. Some damage to buildings is possible, such as tiles blowing off roofs. Longer journey times and cancellations are likely, as road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected. There is a good chance that power cuts may also occur. Large waves are expected and beach material may be thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties.
Meanwhile a Yellow warning has also been issued for wind covering parts of central and southern Scotland and the extreme north of Northern Ireland with wind gusts of 60-70mph expected quite widely across the warning area and up to 80mph in the more exposed north-facing coastal locations.
The warnings area which extends from 8am on Thursday until midnight includes most of the Western Isles, the Northern Isles and the majority of mainland Scotland from Oban to Aberdeen.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Steve Ramsdale said: “The strongest winds will reach the northwest of Scotland early on Thursday, extending to northeast Scotland and the Northern Isles in the afternoon. During Thursday winds will start to ease in the west with the strongest of the winds becoming confined to the Northern Isles in the evening.”
The strong winds may affect Scotland’s road, rail, air and ferry services, and longer journey times and cancellation of services are possible. Within the amber warning area flying debris could be an issue and some damage to buildings is possible, such as tiles blowing off roofs. As with any period of strong winds, there may be some short-term loss of power and effects on other services. In addition, it is likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves.
As Storm Caroline moves away from the UK later on Thursday and through Friday it will allow winds from the northwest to spread across the UK bringing much colder air. Steve Ramsdale added: “With the return of air from a north westerly direction – with its origins in the Arctic – snow showers will become increasingly frequent and heavy across northern Scotland during Thursday evening.”
The Met Office has also issued a Yellow National Severe Weather Warning for snow and ice for Friday. The warning covers much of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and parts of northern and western England. 2-5 cm of snow is likely fairly widely, with 10-20 cm in places mainly northern Scotland, Northern Ireland, north Wales and perhaps the northwest Midlands. Icy surfaces are also likely to be an additional hazard, especially overnight and during the morning. Strong northwest winds may cause blizzard conditions at times across northern Scotland. The heaviest and most frequent of the snow showers will progressively become confined to northeast Scotland during Saturday.
Published: by Radio NewsHub