Scots warned to avoid unnecessary travel ahead of 80mph ‘explosive weather bomb’

SCOTS are being warned to avoid unnecessary travel ahead of the ‘explosive weather bomb’ Storm Ashley is set to bring.

The first named storm of the season is hurtling across the Atlantic from Canada and is set to make landfall in Scotland tomorrow.

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The Met Office has issued a severe amber warning for 80mph winds kicking in from 9 am until midnight on Sunday.

Areas affected by the amber warning include the Highlands and Eilean Siar and Strathclyde.

These areas could see power outages and disruptions to the road network.

A yellow warning for wind is in place for the rest of the country between 3 am and midnight tomorrow.

Police are warning Scots to be extra vigilant when the storm hits and to avoid unnecessary travel.

HGV and bus drivers are advised to drive with “extreme caution” and may be asked by police to pull over at a suitable position.

Vehicle motorists should plan their routes to avoid exposed areas and consider cancelling their journeys altogether.

While cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians must consider the risk of being blown over or into the path of other road users.

Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, Police Scotland’s Head of Road Policing, said: “The amber warning for high winds means that there is a strong likelihood of disruption on the road network and as such, motorists are advised to plan ahead and avoid unnecessary travel where possible.

“Make sure your vehicle has sufficient fuel and is completely roadworthy, with tyre pressure and tread meeting legal requirements. Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged in the event you need to call for assistance and if it is likely you may be within your vehicle for long periods of time, take additional clothing and water with you.

“Please do not ignore any road signage advising of changes to speed or closures to routes. These are in place for your safety and the safety of other road users and listen out for media broadcasts about the weather and how it may be impacting travel.

“Further information of the weather and road closures can be found by visiting the Met Office, Ready Scotland and Traffic Scotland websites and social media accounts.”

Ferry operator CalMac also issued an advanced warning for delays and cancellations on their west coast routes.

Weather experts say Storm Ashley has undergone ‘explosive cyclogenesis’ where the storm’s central pressure has dropped by at least 24 millibars in 24 hours.

The storm is set to wreak havoc in Scotland with people in the worst affected areas being warned there is a likely danger to life and damage to buildings.

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