Storm Malik: 80mph winds to batter Scotland with warning of power cuts

Scots have been warned to brace for high winds across the country as Storm Malik brings gusts of up to 80mph with power cuts possible.

The Met Office issued an amber wind warning covering parts of Grampian, Tayside, Fife, Lothians and Borders, that came into effect from 7am on Saturday until 3pm.

A yellow wind warning is in place across the rest of the country.

A further yellow wind warning covers the whole of the country from 6pm on Sunday until midday on Monday.

Police Scotland’s travel advice is warning of a high risk of disruption with the chance of power cuts and damage to property.

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

Superintendent Simon Bradshaw, deputy head of road policing, urged drivers to check ahead before setting out on their journey, particularly in those areas most affected.

“We are asking motorists to be prepared for the potential for strong winds across Scotland following the yellow weather warnings from the Met Office and amber warnings for the east of Scotland,” he said.

“You should allow extra time for your journey and drive to the road conditions.”

The deputy first minister has chaired a meeting of the Scottish Government Resilience Room to ensure ministers are up to date on preparations.

Both the Transport Scotland Resilience Room and the Multi Agency Response Team will be stood up for the duration of the warning to monitor conditions

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.

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.