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Large waves and coastal overtopping are possible with Storm Ashley
Storm Ashley is expected to hit across Scotland this weekend, bringing strong winds and rain, with the potential for power outages, traffic disruption and damage to buildings.
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued an amber gale warning for parts of the West on Sunday, with gusts of 70 to 80 miles per hour (113 to 129 kilometers per hour) expected.
A yellow warning for strong winds of up to 60 mph (97 kph) is in place across the country and is expected to remain in place until Monday’s rush hour in northern regions.
Storm Ashley, the season’s first named storm, will experience a sudden drop in pressure as it approaches from the Atlantic on Saturday night, making it a “weather bomb,” meteorologists said. This is a phenomenon called “.
Weather forecast ahead of Storm Ashley
The phrase is taken from the American term “bombogenesis”, which is used to describe a drop in pressure of at least 24 millibar over 24 hours.
As a result, strong winds occur at the same time as spring tides, creating large waves and the risk of overtopping of the coast.
The Met Office said power outages were likely in the Amber warning zone, which stretches from Argyll in the north to Cape Wrath and covers much of the country’s island regions.
Weather warning issued
During the Amber Warning period, which lasts from 9 a.m. to midnight on Sunday, there is a possibility of damage to buildings such as blown tiles, closure of some bridges and roads, suspension of trains, and danger to life from high waves. There is sex.
A yellow alert is in place for all of Scotland and Northern Ireland, as well as parts of north-west England and Wales, from 3am to midnight.
It will continue across the north of Scotland until 9am on Monday morning.
A flood warning (meaning flooding is expected) has also been issued by the UK environment authority.
Sunday’s Great South Run has been canceled in England. A 10-mile race in Portsmouth has been canceled after organizers say weather conditions make it unsafe to run the event.
Some Scottish ferry routes have already been completely canceled on Sunday, including Ardrossan to Brodick, Troon to Brodick and Oban to Castlebay.
CalMac warned that more services could be canceled at short notice on Sunday and Monday. Passengers are advised to check ferry status in advance.
Major weekend works on Longacre Bridge, which carries the M8 motorway near Chapel Hall in North Lanarkshire, have also been postponed from October 25th to 28th.
According to road management company Bear Scotland, the Old Military Road has opened in Argyll and the A83 Rest and Be Thankful is closed due to heavy rain forecast.
Japan Meteorological Agency
Met Office yellow warning covers many islands and western regions, yellow warning extends across Scotland
Scottish Transport spokesperson Danny Chalmers told BBC News that people across Scotland should be on “high alert” and travel disruption was expected across all regions on Sunday.
He said: “This is the first named storm of the season and people may not be used to driving in very, very windy conditions like this so please be extra careful.
“Last year saw a record number of storms, so we’re asking people to check before they travel and to allow extra time for their trip.
“It is clear that wind gusts of 130mph will have a significant impact on speed limits on ferries, trains and bridges, and Police Scotland has made it clear that there may be an impact on transport. ”
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Last year, Storm Babette caused flooding in parts of Angus.
He acknowledged that many people were still suffering from the aftermath of last year’s storms, particularly those in Brechin, Angus, who had not yet returned to their homes after being affected by Storm Babette.
Chalmers added: “Unfortunately, it is simply impossible to predict how many of these storms will occur.”
He said winds were likely to particularly affect HGVs and other drivers should be aware of fallen trees and debris on the roads.
Ch Supt Hilary Sloan, Police Scotland’s head of road policing, urged motorists in the Amber warning area to plan ahead.
“If you’re traveling, make sure your car has enough fuel and is fully drivable,” she said.
“Make sure your phone is fully charged in case you need to call for help, and carry extra clothes and water if you’re likely to be in the car for a long time. .”
The Bureau of Meteorology also advises people to check for loose objects outside their homes, such as trampolines and garden furniture.
Rail operator ScotRail also issued an advisory ahead of disruption expected on Sunday, urging travelers to check if services were still running.
Scott Prentice, the company’s director of strategic planning, added: “To help keep our customers and staff safe, speed limits will be implemented on some routes in Scotland as a precaution, resulting in longer journey times.”
Meanwhile, Network Rail has announced that several routes across the country will be subject to speed restrictions, including the Aberdeen to Dundee and West Highland lines.
Carrier maintenance teams will conduct additional inspections in advance of extreme weather events in areas known to be at risk of flooding.
Storm Ashley will throw a punch
Storm Ashley will be very strong in terms of wind strength, with gusts of 70 to 80 miles per hour expected in the amber warning area, and gusts of 50 to 70 miles per hour expected in other areas across Scotland. There is.
The timing of this storm will also increase its impact. The current high tide caused by the full moon will increase the risk of coastal flooding and disruption.
At this early season, many trees are still in leaf, making them more likely to be damaged or knocked over by strong winds.
And garden furniture and toys are often still outside, so make sure to secure anything that could be blown away.
Winds are expected to be strongest late Sunday afternoon and continue into the evening and early evening.
Winds will still be strong on Monday, especially in the north, but the winds will gradually weaken as the day progresses. Tuesday and Wednesday look like calm days.