Scotland is bracing for severe weather as an Atlantic storm approaches, with weather warnings issued for high winds and heavy rain. The Met Office has sounded the alert, urging residents to prepare for challenging conditions expected on Sunday.
A yellow weather warning for rain will take effect early Sunday morning, covering significant parts of Scotland, England, and Wales. This warning indicates risks of travel disruption, minor power cuts, and flooding, particularly across the Scottish regions. The severe weather is anticipated to ease by Sunday night, with improved conditions expected early next week.
Zoe Hutin, a meteorologist from the Met Office, explained, "Certainly tomorrow (Sunday) looks to be the worst day in the coming few days." Citing the impending storm system, she noted the likelihood of strong winds and heavy rain. Hutin mentioned, "Today's weather has remained decent across the country, but by tomorrow morning, we will begin to see quite severe weather coming from the west."
The yellow wind warning is enforced from 3 am to 6 am for Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland. Wind speeds could reach 60 mph inland and gusts of up to 70 mph are expected on the west coast and higher grounds. Heavy rainfall will accompany these winds, resulting in hazardous travel conditions and potential flooding.
The rainfall totals forecast suggest areas, especially in south-west Scotland and northern England, may experience significant precipitation, with estimates of up to 30mm falling between 7 am and 3 pm Sunday. Warnings indicate exposed hills may see as much as 50mm of rainfall, exacerbated by the severe storms.
Weather experts for the Met Office have noted, "Southerly to southwesterly winds are expected to increase through Sunday morning, peaking late morning to early afternoon with gusts of 50-60mph, and perhaps as much as 70mph in exposed spots along Irish Sea coastlines, Scottish Islands, and other areas of high ground."
The strong winds and heavy downpours are predicted to disrupt transport across multiple modes. "The strong gusts and heavy downpours could also spark travel chaos. Delays and disruptions are likely across road, rail, air, and ferry transport," warned The Scottish Sun.
Network Rail has acknowledged disruptions, particularly through Lockerbie due to previous landslides. They indicated delays and cancellations would likely persist throughout the storm period, affecting routes from Carlisle to Motherwell and Edinburgh. Notably, several CalMac ferry services have already been canceled, including the routes between Wemyss Bay and Rothesay.
Forecasts indicate minimal improvement overnight, as gusty winds are anticipated to linger. Residents are urged to take precautions and monitor local updates from the weather services for potential hazards.
Nevertheless, the threat is expected to subside as the week progresses, with forecasts predicting sunny intervals and mild temperatures. "By the time people get up on Monday, we will still have some residual rain, but otherwise, the conditions should improve," Hutin added. Temperatures will likely range from 10 degrees Celsius to 13 degrees Celsius across Southern England and northern regions.
While rain and winds will ease post-storm, the subsequent week will lead to cooler conditions, gradually returning to average February temperatures. Hutin confirmed, "It won't be cold, but we will continue to see temperatures trending back down through the week." This gradual drop will remain within normal parameters for this time of year.
Residents across Scotland are advised to prepare for the severe weather, ensuring they are equipped to handle potential disruptions and hazardous conditions, particularly on the roads.