Amber wind warning – Storm Isha
On Sunday 21 January, transport across Scotland is expected to be disrupted following the arrival of Storm Isha.
An amber warning for wind has been declared which covers the southern half of Scotland, south of Stirling from 6pm on Sunday afternoon (21 January) until 9am on Monday morning (22 January).
A yellow warning for wind will also be in place for the whole of Scotland from midday on Sunday. Additional yellow warnings for rain have also been issued for central Scotland up to Inverness and also for southern Scotland for Sunday into Monday.
This builds on existing warnings for snow and ice for central and northern Scotland on Friday 19 January, across central and northern Scotland, and a yellow warning for ice for northern Scotland on Saturday 20 January. A new yellow warning for rain covering the area from the north of Glasgow towards Fort William has also been issued for Saturday 20 January between 5pm and midnight.
Full information on the warnings is available on the Met Office website.
Police Scotland is warning of a high risk of disruption in the areas affected by the amber warning on Sunday. Gusts of up to 50-60mph, or more, are expected which could impact transport services and present challenging conditions for both motorists and pedestrians. The high winds across Scotland could lead to restrictions and closures across roads and bridges. Rain impacts will result in increased road surface spray making visibility difficult and could result in localised flooding. Planning ahead will be essential
The Multi Agency Response Team will be mobilised and active to monitor the trunk road network at the Traffic Scotland National Control Centre (TSNCC) in South Queensferry and the Scottish Government Resilience Room will also be activated to ensure Ministers are kept up to date on developments impacting all networks.
Minister for Transport Fiona Hyslop said:
“Storm Isha will bring strong winds and rain on Sunday that will present challenging conditions for people, communities and the transport network. Police Scotland’s advice is to expect a high risk of disruption across the amber warning areas – but there will be impacts across the whole of Scotland that we will need to look out for. Planning ahead will be vital and you’ll need to allow extra time for your journey if you do need to travel.
“The strong winds may cause particular difficulties for HGVs and we would urge drivers to take note of the conditions. Road maintenance teams have been out on the trunk road network to cut down over-hanging branches in preparation for winter weather – but debris on the roads and treefall is a strong possibility. The forecasted rain will make visibility difficult when driving and could result in localised flooding.
“Disruption on ferry services is very likely, rail services will also be impacted – and flights could also be impacted. Please check with you transport operator for the latest information. The decision to cancel services is never taken lightly, but safety of passengers has to be the priority.
“Please plan ahead. The latest information on the trunk road network is always available at www.traffic.gov.scot.”
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.
“If you do require to make a journey, then consider delaying until the weather conditions improve. However, if this is not possible then please ensure both you and your vehicle are suitably equipped to deal with the conditions you could face.
“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.”
Chief Meteorologist Dan Suri said:
“Storm Isha will bring strong winds to the whole of the UK through Sunday and into Monday. The areas of particular concern are reflected by a large amber severe weather warning which covers Northern Ireland, central and southern Scotland, Wales, much of northern England as well as southwestern parts of England. Keep up to date with the Met Office warnings and pay close attention to guidance from your local authority.”