Scotland braced for worst of Storm Dave with wind and snow warnings in place

4 hours ago 1
Chattythat Icon

Getty Images Two people bend into the wind as they walk along a beach with crashing waves behind themGetty Images

Wind gusts of up to 80mph are forecast

Scotland is braced for the worst of Storm Dave with high wind warnings in place and the possibility of snow over the Easter weekend.

There are three separate yellow wind warnings across the country, with snow predicted to hit the west Highlands, Argyll and the Western Isles.

Power firm SSEN predicts wind gusts could reach about 80mph in parts of the Western Isles and Skye - with the high winds also hitting Orkney and Shetland on Sunday.

It is likely both public transport and road travel will be impacted and anyone travelling should take extra care and plan ahead, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (Rospa) said.

A separate wind warning, which covers southern Scotland, has been issued to cover from 17:00 Saturday to 07:00 Sunday.

A Met Office spokesperson said: "A rapidly deepening area of low pressure, Storm Dave, is likely to move north-eastwards close to or across north-western parts of the UK during Saturday evening and night, clearing to the North Sea by Sunday."

They added: "Peak gusts of 50-60 mph will be possible fairly widely, with 60-70 mph in more exposed locations.

"Large waves may lead to some dangerous conditions around windward coasts."

Met Office A Met Office map showing Scotland, Northern Ireland and parts of England under yellow weather warnings.Met Office

The Met Office has issued a number of weather warnings, including for wind and snow on Saturday

Police Scotland said people should delay their journeys if possible.

Ch Supt Scott McCarren, head of road policing, said: "Stopping distances can be at least double on wet roads compared to dry conditions, and spray can reduce driver visibility.

"HGV and bus drivers should drive with extreme caution and be aware you may be asked to park at a suitable position by the police."

He added: "If you need to travel, please drive to the conditions and take extra time for your journey."

West coast ferry operator CalMac has already warned of disruption to its sailings, and Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (Hial), said the adverse weather could impact on flights.

Scotland's weather forecast as Storm Dave sweeps in

Hills across central and the north-west of Scotland could also see sleet and snow during the weekend.

A yellow weather warning for snow has been issued for 15:00 on Saturday to 03:00 on Sunday.

A spokesperson for the Met Office said: "During the evening snow may turn heavier and as winds increase, blizzard conditions with drifting and blowing snow likely to lead to very poor visibility across the hills and mountains of the north-west of Scotland."

Forecasters said accumulating snow on roads would mostly be in areas above 656ft (200m), where up to 4in (10cm) was possible and a small chance of up to 8in (20cm).

By late Sunday, the worst of the weather should have cleared.


Read Entire Article