Strong winds forecast as Storm Bert continues to batter Scotland 

Strong winds are forecast as Storm Bert continues to batter parts of Scotland.

Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for wind on Sunday and warned of possible travel disruption.

The warning will be in place from 12pm and expire at 11.59pm.

Forecasters warned that winds of up to 75mph are set to batter more exposed parts of the country with gusts of up to 65mph likely in most places.

The warning covers the Highlands and Argyl and Bute.

Strong winds will continue throughout the day, causing delays to roads, rail, air, and ferry services.

Some impacted areas could also experience power cuts.

The Met Office has issued a fresh yellow warning for wind from midnight until 10am on Monday.

Forecasters warned that a further spell of very strong winds associated with Storm Bert may disrupt travel during the first part of the day.

The warning covers Aberdeenshire, central Scotland, the Highlands as well as Edinburgh and West Lothian.

Winds are expected to reach up 70mph near western coasts and on exposed bridges.

SEPA has issued four flood warnings.

The warnings cover places in Ayrshire, Caithness and Sutherland, Dumfries and Galloway, and Orkney.

ScotRail confirmed that due to severe weather at Saltcoats all lines are closed.

“Services from Glasgow Central heading towards Ardrossan Harbour and Largs will be terminated and started back from Kilwinning,” a spokesperson said.

A bus replacement service has been organised for customers.

CalMac announced that sailings from Troon to Brodick were cancelled for the day at around 10am on Sunday due to strong winds.

Sailings from Ardmhor to Eriskay have also been cancelled due to high winds.

The ferry operator added that they will review tomorrow’s sailings and update customers on Sunday evening.

ScotRail urged customers to check their journey before travelling after confirming speed restrictions were still in place on some routes.

Traffic Scotland confirmed that the A78 at Spango Valley is closed in both directions due to flooding at around 6.50am.

The road was reopened at around 10.23am.

It comes after heavy snowfall and rain on Saturday.

The storm comes after a week of heavy snow and freezing conditions across Scotland.

Scottish roads were plunged into chaos on Saturday as Storm Bert brought heavy snow and treacherous conditions across the country.

A man was taken to hospital following a one-vehicle crash involving a motorcycle on the M74 on Saturday.

X/Traffic Scotland

Part of the M80 was blocked after two lorries lost traction on the road in North Lanarkshire.

The Queensferry Crossing was closed as a safety precaution due to a risk of falling ice.

Transport secretary Fiona Hyslop said Storm Bert will bring a period of “challenging” weather.

She said: “The conditions will likely cause difficult driving conditions and disruption to the wider transport network, so it’s important that anyone that has to travel during the warning period plans their journey ahead of time.”

Hyslop urged people travelling to plan their route in advance and follow Police Scotland guidance.

“There may be disruption on other modes of transport, so you should check with your operators before setting off if you’re planning to travel by rail, ferry or air,” she added.

“Pedestrians should also be aware that pavements are likely to be affected by snow and ice, so make sure you use the appropriate clothing and footwear if you have to go out.”

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