Storm Amy: Met Office weather warning raised to 'amber' as 95mph winds to batter Scotland

The weather warning for wind will be in force from 5pm on Friday until 9am on Saturday.

The amber warning covers the regions of Grampian, Moray, the Highlands, Orkney and Shetland and Strathclyde, with a risk of danger to life.

Storm Amy is forecast to bring “damaging winds” starting in western areas on Friday evening. The wind gusts will move north-eastwards through the night and into early Saturday.

The Met Office said wind speeds of between 60mph and 70mph were likely to be widespread, and gusts may exceed 95mph in more exposed areas. The forecaster said the strong winds were “likely” to lead to travel and power disruption.

A yellow weather warning for wind is in place across the whole of Scotland from 5pm on Friday until 11.59pm on Saturday.

Travel disruption expected

The Met Office said the windy weather may cause delays to train and bus services and could make road conditions dangerous.

The forecaster is urging people to check timetables and road conditions before travelling. Drivers in affected areas should travel with essentials such as warm clothing, food, water, a blanket and a torch.

Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “Motorists will face difficult driving conditions, so it’s vital people plan ahead if they have to travel to see if their route is impacted by the weather.

“Travellers should check the latest information before they set off, drive to the conditions and follow Police Scotland travel advice. The Traffic Scotland website and X/twitter account are updated regularly, and they also have details of any ‘wind based’ closures for the bridges.

“The conditions are likely to lead to disruption on other modes of transport too, so we are urging people planning to travel on trains, ferries and flights to contact their operators to find out if their service is affected.”

Shaun Jones, from the AA expert patrol, said: “Storm Amy is shaping up to be a serious weather event and we’re already seeing signs of disruption.

“Drivers need to be alert, plan ahead and avoid taking risks. High winds can make handling a vehicle more difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles, and surface water can hide potholes or cause aquaplaning. If you come across a flooded road, we recommend you find an alternative route rather than risking driving through floodwater.

“If you’re heading out, make sure your car is storm ready and your route is safe. Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged and download the AA app to help us get to you faster if the worse should happen. Ensure you have enough fuel or EV charge to account for unexpected diversions.”

The AA said drivers should be alert to fallen branches and debris, particularly on rural routes.

Chief Superintendent Scott McCarren, head of road policing at Police Scotland, said: “Drivers of vehicles vulnerable to being blown over should plan their route to avoid exposed areas or consider cancelling your journey until conditions improve.”

Power cuts likely

The Met Office is also urging people to check for loose items like bins and garden furniture outside of homes and to secure the items if needed.

People in affected areas should also prepare for possible power cuts by gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essentials.

Those in coastal areas should be alert to large waves. The Met Office has warned that even from the shore, large breaking waves are able to sweep people out to sea.