Scotland is bracing for severe disruption as Storm Amy brings heavy rain and winds of up to 100mph, with amber weather warnings in place across large parts of the country.
The Met Office has issued multiple amber alerts for wind covering the Highlands, Moray, Argyll and Bute, Orkney and Shetland. The first warning came into force at 5pm on Friday and runs until midnight on Saturday, while a second will take effect from midnight on Saturday until 9pm the same day, extending across Aberdeenshire, the Highlands, Orkney, Moray and the Outer Hebrides. Yellow warnings for wind and rain are also in place throughout the weekend.
Forecasters have warned of a danger to life from flying debris, large waves and coastal flooding, as well as the risk of landslides in some areas. SEPA has issued red flood warnings for Kilbirnie, Glengarnock, Dalry and Kilwinning, alongside amber alerts for Skye and Lochaber, Argyll and Bute, Ayrshire and Arran and Wester Ross.
The storm has already caused widespread travel disruption. ScotRail confirmed a number of routes will close from 6pm on Friday, including Mallaig to Fort William, Fort William to Crianlarich, Inverness to Aberdeen, Inverness to Wick/Thurso, Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, and Perth to Inverness. Replacement transport will not be available, though tickets for Friday can be used on alternative dates. Speed restrictions are being introduced across the wider rail network from 7pm, with delays expected.
Ferry services between Cairnryan and Northern Ireland have also been cancelled, with Police Scotland advising passengers not to travel to ports due to expected long delays. Freight drivers are being urged to follow guidance from port operators and police during the disruption.
Network Rail reported metal debris blocking the north tunnel at Dundee station on Friday morning, halting northbound services, while a signalling fault at Port Glasgow disrupted journeys on the Gourock and Wemyss Bay line.
In Case You Missed It:
Edinburgh Rugby’s home match against Ulster at Murrayfield has been postponed, and some schools in Northern Ireland were ordered to close early due to safety concerns.
Chief Superintendent Scott McCarren, head of Road Policing, urged drivers to take extreme care: “In wet weather, stopping distances will be at least double those required on dry roads. Drivers of vehicles vulnerable to being blown over should plan routes to avoid exposed areas or consider cancelling journeys until conditions improve.”
The Met Office said the combination of damaging winds, flooding and heavy rainfall would continue into the weekend, with further disruption possible into Sunday while safety checks are carried out.
