iStockInjuries and danger to life are likely during 80mph winds that are set to hit parts of Scotland this weekend in the first named storm of the season.
The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning ahead of Storm Ashley for the north-west of Scotland on Sunday, as well as a yellow warning for the entirety of Scotland.
The amber warning will be in force from 9am on Sunday until midnight, and the yellow between 3am and midnight.
Gusts of 80mph could hit north-west Scotland and “injuries and danger to life is likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties”, the Met Office said.
STV News Meteorologist Philip Petrie has said Storm Ashley will go through what is called explosive cyclogenesis – or a “weather bomb”.
He said: “During Saturday night, Storm Ashley crossed the jet stream, so the relatively slack low-pressure system that it begins life as will move across what is essentially a 200mph wind stream.
“As it does this, it goes through what is called explosive cyclogenesis (or a “weather bomb”). This means the low pressure deepens rapidly into an extremely deep area of low pressure—aka Storm Ashley.”
There is “a good chance” of power cuts in that area which could affect mobile phone coverage and buildings will probably be damaged, such as by tiles blowing off roofs.
Disruption or cancellations to road, rail, air and ferry services are likely, as well as road and bridge closures.
Sunday’s strongest winds will sweep exposed parts of western Scotland, with 70mph gusts likely and could reach 80mph “or perhaps a fraction more” in parts.
The winds will continue through Sunday and peak in the evening.
Storm Ashley is expected to clear on Monday.
Transport Scotland has warned of likely disruptions to public transport, including the country’s ferry network.
A statement said: “A windy period is expected across the whole of the UK on Sunday and into Monday, but across parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, north-west England and north-west Wales there is an increased chance of some disruption.
“These strong winds in conjunction with high spring tides may cause some disruption.”
CalMac has confirmed that some ferry routes have already been cancelled on Sunday, including Ardrossan – Brodick, Troon – Brodick, and Oban – Castlebay.
The operator has warned that more services could be cancelled at short notice, and has urged passengers to check the status of their ferry ahead of time.
Families travelling during the October school holidays have been advised to check for cancellations.
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