An amber warning for strong winds has been issued by the Met Office, as Storm Ali approaches Scotland.
The amber warning covers most of the southern half of Scotland, including the central belt, and will be in place from 8am tomorrow morning until late afternoon. A yellow warning for strong winds will remain in place for the whole of Scotland until late Wednesday evening.The winds are likely to impact travel, particularly during peak times on Wednesday morning, with gusts expected to reach 75mph in some parts.
Traffic Scotland is fully operational at the National Traffic Control Centre and will be providing updates on social media, website and radio broadcasts throughout the warning period.
Travellers are being asked to check the latest information before they set off. Traffic Scotland is fully operational at the National Traffic Control Centre and will be providing updates on social media, website and radio broadcasts throughout the warning period. Travellers are being asked to check the latest information before they set off.
There are likely to be restrictions on bridges as a result of the conditions, especially for high sided vehicles. Air, ferry and rail travellers could also face delays and cancelations, so passengers should check with their operators ahead of time.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, Michael Matheson said:“The Met Office is telling us the southern half of Scotland in particular is going to see some difficult weather tomorrow as a result of Storm Ali. More generally, the whole of the country is going to see blustery conditions throughout Wednesday.
“The strongest winds are expected to reach 75mph in some places, and will likely bring some heavy rainfall with them.
“There is the potential for disruption on the roads, especially on bridges, and people should check the latest information before they set off, drive to the conditions and follow Police advice. The Traffic Scotland service gives details of ‘wind based’ closures for the bridges on trunk road network, allowing people to plan ahead accordingly.
“Motorists should check Traffic Scotland before they set off to make sure that their route is available. The Traffic Scotland mobile website – my.trafficscotland.org – lets people get the latest information on the move and Traffic Scotland twitter page is updated regularly.
“The conditions are also likely to lead to disruption on other modes of transport, so we are urging people to take the weather into account if they are planning to travel on trains, ferries and flights.
“The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGoRR) will also be active throughout Wednesday to monitor wider impacts of Storm Ali and to work with partners in helping co-ordinate the response to any issues that might emerge.”
Head of Road Policing, Chief Superintendent Stewart Carle, said, “If you are driving a vehicle which may be vulnerable to being blown over in such conditions along exposed routes including bridges, please exercise additional caution and plan your route to avoid exposed areas or consider cancelling your journey until conditions improve.
“Previous incidents have clearly shown the dangers of driving vehicles vulnerable to being blown over in high wind conditions and the subsequent danger created for other road users, emergency services and recovery operatives where incidents have occurred due to drivers ignoring warnings.
“Listen to media broadcasts especially local radio and Traffic Scotland Radio or for public transport information visit Traveline Scotland.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
