iStockInjuries and danger to life are likely during 80mph winds that are set to hit parts of Scotland this weekend in the first named storm of the season.
The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning ahead of Storm Ashley for the north-west of Scotland on Sunday, as well as a yellow warning for the entirety of Scotland.
The amber warning will be in force from 9am on Sunday until midnight, and the yellow between 3am and midnight.
Gusts of 80mph could hit north-west Scotland and “injuries and danger to life is likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties”, the Met Office said.
STV News Meteorologist Philip Petrie has said Storm Ashley will go through what is called explosive cyclogenesis – or a “weather bomb”.
He said: “During Saturday night, Storm Ashley crossed the jet stream, so the relatively slack low-pressure system that it begins life as will move across what is essentially a 200mph wind stream.
“As it does this, it goes through what is called explosive cyclogenesis (or a “weather bomb”). This means the low pressure deepens rapidly into an extremely deep area of low pressure—aka Storm Ashley.”
There is “a good chance” of power cuts in that area which could affect mobile phone coverage and buildings will probably be damaged, such as by tiles blowing off roofs.
Disruption or cancellations to road, rail, air and ferry services are likely, as well as road and bridge closures.
Sunday’s strongest winds will sweep exposed parts of western Scotland, with 70mph gusts likely and could reach 80mph “or perhaps a fraction more” in parts.
The winds will continue through Sunday and peak in the evening.
Storm Ashley is expected to clear on Monday.
Transport Scotland has warned of likely disruptions to public transport, including the country’s ferry network.
A statement said: “A windy period is expected across the whole of the UK on Sunday and into Monday, but across parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, north-west England and north-west Wales there is an increased chance of some disruption.
“These strong winds in conjunction with high spring tides may cause some disruption.”
CalMac has confirmed that some ferry routes have already been cancelled on Sunday, including Ardrossan – Brodick, Troon – Brodick, and Oban – Castlebay.
The operator has warned that more services could be cancelled at short notice, and has urged passengers to check the status of their ferry ahead of time.
Families travelling during the October school holidays have been advised to check for cancellations.
ScotRail issues travel advice during Storm Ashley
ScotRail is warning customers to check before they travel as disruption due to the impact of Storm Ashley with amber and yellow weather warning for heavy rain and strong winds to parts of the country on Sunday into Monday.
The amber high wind warning covers western area on Sunday, with gusts of 70-80mph expected. A yellow warning for high winds up to 60mph covers the whole of Scotland.
ScotRail services across most of the country may be subject to delay or cancellation during the period of the storm.
From early evening until Monday morning, services in the west and north highlands, Ayrshire, Stranraer and between Perth and Inverness will be affected by precautionary speed restrictions – this will increase journey times and reduce the number of services which will run.
Customers are advised to check their journey before travelling on the ScotRail website, mobile app, or social media channels.
Scott Prentice, ScotRail Strategy and Planning Director, said: “The Met Office has issued amber and yellow weather warnings for Storm Ashley, wit heavy rain and high winds across much of the country, particularly the north west.
“In order to keep our customers and staff safe, speed restrictions will be in place as a precautionary measure on some routes in Scotland, which will mean longer journey times.
“Customers should check their journey before setting off, and keep an eye on our website, app or social media feeds for live updates.”
Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, Police Scotland’s Head of Road Policing, said: “The amber warning for high winds means that there is a strong likelihood of disruption on the road network and as such, motorists are advised to plan ahead and avoid unnecessary travel where possible.
“Make sure your vehicle has sufficient fuel and is completely roadworthy, with tyre pressure and tread meeting legal requirements. Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged in the event you need to call for assistance and if it is likely you may be within your vehicle for long periods of time, take additional clothing and water with you.
“Please do not ignore any road signage advising of changes to speed or closures to routes. These are in place for your safety and the safety of other road users and listen out for media broadcasts about the weather and how it may be impacting travel.
“Further information of the weather and road closures can be found by visiting the Met Office, Ready Scotland and Traffic Scotland websites and social media accounts.”
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