Gusts of 80mph expected to batter Scotland as Storm Malik sweeps in

Gusts of up to 80mph are expected to batter parts of the country this weekend.

Storm Malik – named by the Danish Meteorological Institute – is expected to sweep in on Saturday morning before eventually settling down by Monday afternoon.

The Met Office has issued both yellow and amber alerts.

Experts have warned of potential damage to buildings and trees as a result of the high winds.

The strong gusts could also lead to power cuts, road and bridge closures, and cancellations to rail, air and ferry services.

The Met Office warned: “Injuries and danger to life could occur from flying debris as well as from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.”

STV meteorologist Sean Batty said by around 9am on Saturday winds will be gusting between 60mph and 70mph across the north Highlands, Orkney, Skye, the Western Isles, Coll and Tiree.

Gusts up to 55mph are likely in Glasgow and surrounding areas, while Inverclyde, Arran and Kintyre may experience gusts around 60mph.

Winds will widely gust up to 60mph in eastern areas, but places like Banff, Portsoy, Turriff and Huntly in Aberdeenshire may get in excess of 70mph.

Some even stronger gusts could descend into Fife, Edinburgh, Midlothian and East Lothian where they may reach 70-80mph.

Saturday weather warning

Saturday: Yellow and amber weather alerts for wind. Website

Yellow weather warning for Shetland Islands: 12pm until 8pm on Saturday.
Other yellow weather warning: 4am until 3pm on Saturday.
Amber weather warning: 7am until 3pm on Saturday.

Sunday/Monday weather warning

Sunday: Yellow weather alert for wind. Website

Yellow weather alert: 6pm on Sunday until 12pm on Monday.

SP Energy Networks has issued safety advice to help Scots keep safe in the event of a power cut.

Craig Arthur, SP distribution director for central and southern Scotland, said: “Due to the potential for damage to our powerlines, power cuts become more likely in high winds and it’s important our customers in Scotland are fully prepared, just in case.

“Our teams of engineers are on hand 24/7 and will come out to your area as quickly as possible in the event of power outages, so the sooner we know about a power cut, the more quickly we can begin work to get electricity restored.

“You can report any power outages to us by calling the national emergency helpline on 105 – please don’t assume we already know about it.”

Top tips in the event of a power outage

Have the national 105 emergency helpline on hand: It’s best to keep this on the fridge or saved in the contacts on your mobile phone.
Store a battery or wind-up torch: Leave this somewhere you can access easily so you can use the torch to check on the fuse box and make your way around the house safely.
Beware of fallen powerlines: Powerlines may have fallen because of high winds so beware of this when venturing out of your home.
Keep your mobile phone charged: Having your mobile phone charged means you can call the 105 emergency helpline if needed. It’s also worth having an analogue phone as this doesn’t run off the main electricity supply.
Join the free Priority Services Register: If electricity is crucial to your health or you just need a little extra help, ask to be included on SP Energy Networks’ Priority Services Register by calling 0330 1010 167 or texting PSR to 61999.

For more information, click here.