Rail services will be cancelled and drivers have been urged to avoid unnecessary journeys as Storm Boelo approaches Scotland, with gusts of up to 80mph forecast.
A yellow Met Office warning covering most of the country begins at midday on Saturday. An amber warning for mainland Scotland and the Western Isles will run from 21:00 on Saturday until 21:00 on Sunday.
The storm is expected to bring widespread winds of 60-70mph, with the strongest gusts in exposed coastal areas. Heavy rain, flying debris, power cuts, damage to trees and buildings and disruption to transport are also possible.
Rail services affected
ScotRail has confirmed closures on several routes during the storm:
- The Glasgow Central to Ayr line will close between Kilwinning and Ayr from 21:00 on Saturday.
- The Glasgow Queen Street to Oban and Mallaig routes will close between Fort William and Mallaig, and between Crianlarich and Oban, from about 22:00.
- The Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh route will close between Kyle of Lochalsh and Achnashellach from the start of service on Sunday.
- The Inverness to Wick and Thurso routes will close between Helmsdale and Wick or Thurso from the start of service on Sunday.
Network Rail said trains would also run at reduced speeds across large parts of Scotland from Saturday night into Sunday. Passengers have been advised to expect significant disruption and longer journeys, and to check services before travelling.
Warnings for road and coastal users
Supt Andy Barclay, deputy head of road policing for Police Scotland, said conditions could be hazardous and asked people to consider whether journeys were “really necessary”.
He warned that stopping distances can be at least twice as long on wet roads, while spray could reduce visibility. HGV and bus drivers were told to take extreme care and be prepared to stop at a suitable location if directed by police.
Police Scotland advised anyone who must travel to drive according to the conditions, allow extra time and check Traffic Scotland updates.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution urged people to exercise “extreme caution” near exposed cliffs, seafronts and piers. Its water safety lead, Michael Avril, said conditions “could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea”.
CalMac has cancelled a number of sailings and amended the Saturday timetable for the MV Isle of Mull, which operates between the mainland, South Uist and Barra.
Events and emergency preparations
The Scottish Government’s resilience room met on Friday to prepare for the severe weather. The amber warning is unusual because it covers such a wide area for 24 hours, although it is not unprecedented.
Some events have already been affected. A Scottish Cup tie between Penicuik Athletic and Clyde was postponed because of heavy rain, while a family fun day at Dean Park Castle and Country Park in Kilmarnock has been postponed because of the warning.
Renfrewshire Council said Friday’s programme for Paisley’s Halloween festival would go ahead, with an update on Saturday’s events to follow. Western Isles Council advised organisers of events, including church services, to plan for strong winds on Sunday.