Scotland braces for festive storms as hail, sleet and snow arrive before Xmas

SCOTS have been warned to brace for hail, sleet, and snow this weekend with gusts of 80mph set to batter the country.

In the days leading up to Christmas, the nation could face significant travel disruption as conditions worsen.

7

7

Forecasters have said that the weather could become so dangerous that it could become the fifth named storm of the season.

The Met Office issued two yellow warnings this weekend which have now been extended.

Originally, experts issued a one-day alert for high winds across the west and some northern areas of Scotland tomorrow.

But this has now been extended to cover the whole country, including Orkney and the Western Isles which were previously excluded from the warning.

The 17-hour alert for wind kicks in at 7am tomorrow morning and is in place until midnight.

A second yellow 21-hour warning for wind is in place on Sunday from midnight until 9pm.

The alert covers most parts of Scotland, except Orkney and Shetland.

But forecasters have said that the wind is now set to bring hail, sleet, and snow with it.

Light, frequent showers will fall over the country on Saturday afternoon before increasingly turning to hail, sleet and snow as the weekend progresses.

It will get increasingly worse overnight on Saturday into Sunday morning with snow expected to fall in the hills.

There is a small chance of snow on lower levels, however, milder air will return on Monday so it is not expected to stick.

Some of the worst-hit areas for the sleet and hail are expected to be Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, and Ayr.

The Met Office has warned that strong winds could cause “significant transport disruption”, as many people across the country will travel to visit family or friends for Christmas.

Gusts of 65-75mph are set to batter the Highlands, Orkney and Shetland, while the mainland is exported to be hit with 50-60mph winds.

However, there are some parts of the country that could see the winds reach as high as 80mph.

Those along the coast have been warned that they could be facing dangerous conditions and large waves.

The gale-force winds are set to come as a deep area of low pressure heads eastwards between Scotland and Iceland.

Ferry sailings are expected to be cancelled and rail services could also be affected.

Operator Calmac has listed several routes liable to disruption this weekend, including Largs to Cumbrae, Colintraive to Rhubodach, Berneray to Leverburgh, and Oban to Lismore.

Sailings between Mallaig and the Small Isles and Mallaig and Armadale have been cancelled on Saturday and Sunday.

Freight services between UIlapool and Stornoway could also be delayed or called off between Saturday and Monday.

Met Office Safety Advice

The Met Office provides several pieces of advice for staying safe during high winds. They said:

1. Protecting your property from damage and other people from injury

Don’t risk injury to others or damage to your property. Check for loose items outside your home and plan how you could secure them in high winds. Items include:

• bins
• plant pots
• garden furniture (bring inside or secure in place)
• trampolines (turn upside down or secure with tent pegs)
• sheds (ensure doors are locked)

2. Things you can do before a journey

Windy weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous. Follow these few simple steps to prepare before journeys:

• Plan your route, check for delays and road closures
• Listen out for travel updates on your car radio/sat nav
• If you don’t have essentials in your car then pack for the worst (warm clothing, food, drink, blanket, torch)
• Take a fully charged mobile phone with an in-car charger or battery pack

3. Driving safely in strong wind

Driving in these conditions can be dangerous, for yourself and other road users. If you must drive, you can do this more safely by:

• Driving slowly to minimise the impact of wind gusts
• Be aware of high sided vehicles/caravans on more exposed roads
• Be cautious overtaking high sided vehicles/caravans
• Make sure you hold the steering wheel firmly
• Give cyclists, motorcyclists, lorries and buses more room than usual
• More about travelling in storms, rain and heavy wind

4. Staying safe when you’re at the coast

If you live or work on the coast take extra care during windy and stormy weather. Keep yourself and others safe by following these simple steps:

• Check the forecasts and tides in your local area here
• Beware 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 999 (UK) or 112 (Ireland) and ask for the Coastguard

5. Avoiding injury if you’re out and about

Being outside in high winds makes you more vulnerable to injury. Stay indoors as much as possible. If you do go out, try not to walk or shelter close to buildings and trees.

Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly. When a weather warning is issued, stay up to date with the weather in your area.

The weather service has also warned of potential damage to property and power outages.

Mobile phone coverage could also be impacted in some areas.

Locals and visitors to coastal spots have been warned that “injuries and danger to life” could be caused by large waves.

Jonathon Vautrey, a Met Office meteorologist, said that travel disruption and flooding could hit some areas of the country with up to 150mm of rain could fall.

He said: “Over the next 24-36 hours, the rainfall totals really will be building up with widely half a month’s worth of rain falling across parts of the Highlands and even into northern areas of Argyll and Bute.”

He also urged people to “take care” as snow melts will add water to rivers.

As it stands, weather experts have said there are no immediate plans to name the low-pressure band as a storm.

However, if conditions worsen then it could become Storm Eowyn, which would be the fifth named storm of the season.

7

7

7

7