Storm Ashley: Warning as ‘weather bomb’ approaches Scotland

Power cuts, travel disruption and possible damage to buildings are expected this weekend as Storm Ashley sweeps across Scotland, bringing high winds and rain.

The Met Office has issued an amber high wind warning for some western areas on Sunday, with gusts of 70-80 mph (113-129km/h) expected.

A yellow alert for high winds gusting up to 60 mph (97km/h) covers the whole of the country, and for northern areas will last over the rush hour on Monday.

Meteorologists say Storm Ashley, the first named storm of the season, will see a rapid drop of pressure as it moves in from the Atlantic on Saturday night – a phenomenon called a “weather bomb”.

The phrase is taken from the US term “bombogenesis”, used to described a fall of at least 24 millibars of pressure in 24 hours.

That will result in high winds, which coincide with high spring tides – bringing a risk of large waves and coastal overtopping.

The Met Office said there was a good chance of power cuts in the amber warning area which stretches from Argyll to Cape Wrath in the north, and covers many of the country’s island communities.

There could also be damage to buildings such as tiles blown off, some bridge and road closures, train cancellations and a risk to life from high waves during the amber alert period from on Sunday, which runs 09:00 until midnight.

The yellow warning affecting all of Scotland starts earlier – from 03:00 on Sunday and will last until 09:00 on Monday for the northern half of the country.

Some ferry routes have already been completely cancelled on Sunday, including Ardrossan – Brodick, Troon – Brodick, and Oban – Castlebay.

CalMac has warned that more services could be cancelled at short notice on Sunday and Monday. Passengers are urged to check the status of their ferry ahead of time.

Transport Scotland’s head of resilience Ashleigh Robson said all areas could expect some travel disruption on Sunday.

“Passengers should certainly check with their operator, and with many families enjoying the October school holidays, we would advise them to pay close attention to any cross-border travel updates too,” she said.

She said the winds were likely to particularly affect HGVs and other drivers should be on the lookout for fallen trees or debris on the roads.

Ch Supt Hilary Sloan, head of road policing at Police Scotland, urged drivers in the amber alert area to plan ahead.

“If you are travelling, make sure your vehicle has sufficient fuel and is completely roadworthy,” she said.

“Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged in the event you need to call for assistance and if it is likely you may be within your vehicle for long periods of time, take additional clothing and water with you.”

The Met Office also advises people to check for loose items outside their home such as trampolines or garden furniture.