Amber wind warning as storms set to strike Scotland this week

The Met Office has issued an amber wind warning from 6pm on Wednesday evening (February 16) until 9am on Thursday, ahead of Storm Dudley. It covers the south of Scotland, the Central Belt, Strathclyde and parts of Tayside and Fife. A yellow wind warning covers the whole of Scotland from 3pm on Wednesday until 6pm on Thursday. A further yellow warning for wind is in place for Friday in southern parts of Scotland ahead the second named storm, Storm Eunice.

Road, rail, air and ferry services are all likely to be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible, as well as potential restrictions on bridges. The strong winds, which are expected to reach 90 mph in some parts, could also lead to fallen trees, damage to buildings and power cuts.

The Transport Scotland Resilience Room and the Multi Agency Response Team will be stood up to monitor conditions. Traffic Scotland will be providing updates on social media, as well as their website and radio broadcasts, from the National Traffic Control Centre.

Minister for Transport Jenny Gilruth said: “The Met Office is warning us to expect another period of disruption later this week, with Storm Dudley set to bring strong winds to Scotland. The south of Scotland and the Central Belt facing the worst of the conditions.

“The high winds will likely bring challenges for the trunk road network, with the potential for restrictions on bridges, so travellers should make sure they plan their journey in advance, drive to the conditions and follow Police Scotland travel advice.

“The Traffic Scotland mobile website - my.trafficscotland.org - lets people get the latest information on the move and the Traffic Scotland twitter page is updated regularly. You can also find details of ‘wind based’ closures for the bridges on the trunk road network, allowing you to check if your planned route is available.

“Other modes of transport are also likely to be affected, so if you are planning to travel by train, ferry or air, please check with your operator to make sure your service is still running.”

Chief Inspector Neil Lumsden, of Road Policing, added: "You should allow extra time for your journey and drive to the road conditions. I would urge motorists to check the Met Office and Traffic Scotland websites and social media before setting out on their journey, particularly in those areas most affected by the predicted adverse weather.”

Angus Council is warning everyone to be prepared.

A spokesperson said: “We will notify of any local school closures, as well as any transport and/or service disruptions on our Weather Watch web pages and via social media.

“You'll find a wealth of information on the Ready Scotland website. Make sure your phone is charged, check on elderly neighbours and relatives and make a note of note emergency numbers.

“Power outages should be reported to SSEN on 105 and you can download the Powertrack app for details of power cuts and restoration times. You can also report power cuts and network damage through the Power Track app. Fallen trees and debris should be reported to Police Scotland on 101. For Non-urgent injuries or health concerns please call NHS 24 on 111.”