Storm Ashley to hit Scotland as weather warnings issued across UK - but North East to escape worst weather
Those planning trips to Scotland have been urged to check their journeys with delays and cancellations likely on road, rail, air and ferry services
by Catherine Addison-Swan · ChronicleLiveAnyone planning to travel this Sunday and Monday (October 20 and 21) has been urged to check their journeys with "widespread disruption" expected across parts of the UK as Storm Ashley hits.
Yellow weather warnings for strong winds have already been issued for all of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland as well as parts of Wales and north-west England, and a severe Amber warning is in force for "danger to life" gales across western Scotland on Sunday. While the North East is forecast to miss the worst of the storm, the extreme weather is likely to cause travel misery for many families planning trips in the coming days with some schools having broken up for October half term.
Those with journeys planned across the border into Scotland are particularly advised to stay up to date with any travel and weather updates, with parts of western Scotland forecast to see gusts of up to 80mph on Sunday afternoon. The Met Office has warned that longer journey times and cancellations are likely across road, rail, air and ferry services, with some roads and bridges likely to close.
Head of Transport Resilience at Transport Scotland, Ashleigh Robson, advised: "Storm Ashley is set to bring widespread disruption for travel on Sunday and into Monday. Passengers should certainly check with their operator, and with some families off enjoying the October school holidays, we would advise them to play close attention to any cross-border travel updates too.
"The Multi Agency Response Team will be in position to take decisions, oversee the network, and advise the public and update Ministers over the weekend as the storm sweeps into parts of Scotland. The strong winds may cause particular difficulties for HGVs and we would urge drivers to take note of the conditions, debris on the roads and trees falling onto some roads is a strong possibility."
She added: "The forecasted rain will make visibility difficult when driving and could result in some localised flooding. Disruption on ferry services is very likely, rail services and flights may also be impacted. Please check with you transport operator for the latest information."
The Amber warning for wind in western Scotland is in force from 9am until midnight on Sunday, while the wider Yellow wind warning covering much of the UK and Ireland will be in place from 3am until the end of the day. Those visiting coastal locations have also been warned that there is a "danger to life" risk from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts and coastal roads in the strong gales.
According to the latest forecast for the North East, heavy rain and windy conditions are expected on Sunday, with the potential for gales along the coast. However, the region is expected to see broken cloud and sunny spells by the afternoon as the worst of Storm Ashley passes, although it will remain windy with gusts of up to 54mph forecast in Newcastle.
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