Strong winds forecast in North West
Gusts of 70-80mph, and up to 90 mph in exposed areas can be expected and there may be some travel disruption, including ferry services, in these areas as a result.
Transport Scotland and our partners, including the local authorities, SEPA and Police Scotland are closely monitoring the situation to make sure that we are well prepared for the conditions in light of this and a period of unsettle weather as we move into the Christmas period.
The MART (Multi Agency Response Team) will be activated to cover the morning peak tomorrow.
Traffic Scotland Operator Manager Stein Connelly said:
“The Met Office is telling us that the North West Highlands and Western Isles are likely to face disruption due to the strong winds this evening and into Thursday.
“We would advise people in these areas to prepare for some travel disruption and to allow extra time for their journeys. They should also check the relevant websites for up to date travel information.
"Transport Scotland is in regular contact with The Met Office, Police Scotland operating companies and Network Rail as well as the ferry operators and will activate our Multi Agency Response Team through the night to cover the morning peak to ensure the maximum response to any incidents caused by the high winds.”
A spokesman for Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) added:
“As we move into the Christmas holiday period we are aware that many people will be finalising their travel plans and in light of today’s amber alert, would advise ferry travellers to check local weather forecasts and consider alternative arrangements in the event that services are disrupted.
“We fully appreciate that many people will be intending to use our ferry services but the safety of passengers, crew and ships is our number one priority.”
The Traffic Scotland twitter feed @trafficscotland and website www.trafficscotland.org will have the latest information on travel conditions across the country.
BACKGROUND
The Scottish Government’s Ready for Winter campaign, delivered in partnership with the British Red Cross, provides the public with a range of advice and information on preparing for winter weather. Further information is available at www.readyscotland.org
The Multi Agency Response Team (MART), based at the Traffic Control Centre in South Queensferry, includes representatives from Traffic Scotland, Transport Scotland, the police, rail operators, road operating companies and the Met Office.
CalMac is advising ferry travellers to check the website: www.calmac.co.uk for the latest information. The passenger service between Gourock and Dunoon operated by CalMac’s sister company, Argyll Ferries, may also be affected. The latest information on that service can be found at www.argyllferries.co.uk.
In light of the Met Office warning, trunk road operating companies have all their resources available, including patrols, and will pre-position resources in areas of special attention.
For real time journey information visit www.trafficscotland.org, follow @trafficscotland on Twitter or call 0800 028 14 14.
The full Alerts, including the Chief Forecaster's Assessment and a map showing the areas included in the Alerts, are available at http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings/
Rail, ferries and air users should check with individual service operators’ websites.
For more advice and guidance: www.sepa.org.uk/flooding or via Floodline 0845 9881188 At 10am every day SEPA issues to registered media a summary of Flood Warnings & Alerts currently in force. When there are Warnings in force this gets issued more frequently, usually every four hours. If your organisation has not signed up for this free bulletin and you would like it, please request it by emailing flooding@sepa.org.uk
For further information contact:
Transport Scotland Press Office 0141 272 7195
News release: TS993SC