Storm Amy to batter Scotland with 100mph winds and heavy rain

Key Points

Amber alert for Highlands, Moray, Argyll and Bute and Islands
Storm Amy to bring gusts of up to 100mph amid a danger to life
Scotrail confirmed some lines will close from 6pm due to the wind and heavy rain
Power cuts and disruption to travel likely
Difficult driving conditions expected in the north of Scotland

Heavy rain and winds with gusts of up to 100mph batter parts of Scotland as Storm Amy arrives.

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for wind that is set to come into place at 5pm on Friday.

The warning covers much of the Highlands, Orkney and Shetland, parts of Argyll and Bute and Moray, and is in place until 9am on Saturday.

Yellow warnings are in also place for wind on Friday and Saturday, and for rain on Friday for much of the country.

The Met Office said the “damaging” winds risk causing disruption to travel routes across rail, ferry and air.

Forecasters are warning of a danger to life from flying debris, large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.

Scotland

Storm Amy upgraded to amber with 100mph winds bringing ‘danger to life’

The first named storm of the season will hit Scotland on Friday.

There is a risk of landslides across the country during the warning.

SEPA has issued red flood warnings for Kilbirnie and Glengarnock, Dalry and Kilwinning. Amber flood alerts in Skye and Lochaber, Argyll and Bute, Ayrshire and Arran and Wester Ross, are also in place.

The public has been warned to expect delays to public transport, spray and flooding on roads, as well as potential power cuts and flooding in homes and businesses.

Ahead of the blustery and wet conditions, Scotrail has confirmed the following lines will close from 6pm on Friday due to forecast wind gusts and heavy rain:

Mallaig – Fort William
Fort William – Crianlarich
Inverness – Aberdeen
Inverness – Wick / Thurso
Inverness – Kyle of Lochalsh
Perth – Inverness

No will replacement transport will be made available. Tickets dated for travel on Friday, October 3, can be used on Thursday, October 2, Saturday, October 4, or Sunday, October 5.

On all other routes, speed restrictions will be introduced from 7pm until the end of service to ensure the safety of customers and staff. This may extend journey times and result in some service alterations.

ScotRail believes some disruption to services will extend into Saturday, and possibly Sunday, while Network Rail carries out safety checks for obstructions on the line and damage to any infrastructure.