Amber weather warning - Storm Ashley confirmed

The public is being warned to prepare for travel disruption on Sunday and early on Monday as the first named storm of the new season arrives.

The weather system bringing strong winds and heavy rain across Scotland on Sunday and early Monday has now been named as Storm Ashley.

An Amber Warning for Wind has been issued for parts of north west Scotland (the Western Isles, West Highlands and parts of Argyll & Bute) for between 0900 and 2359 on Sunday. Yellow warnings are also in place for a wider areas of Scotland on Sunday and Monday.

Ferries, trains - including cross-border travel - HGVs, and other modes, including possible bridge closures and speed restrictions, and much of the network in those specific areas, is set to experience cancellations, speed restrictions and delays as a direct result of challenging conditions.

Full information on the warnings is available on the Met Office website: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice

The Multi Agency Response team will be active and monitoring conditions and preparations. Officials will continue to meet with the Scottish Government's central resilience operation which is also closely monitoring preparedness activity.

Head of Transport Resilience at Transport Scotland, Ashleigh Robson, said:

"Storm Ashley will likely mean 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.

"The Multi Agency Response Team will be in position to oversee the network, 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 treefall is a strong possibility. 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 some flights will also be impacted. Please check with you transport operator for the latest information. The decision to cancel services is never taken lightly, but safety of passengers has to be the priority. Please plan ahead. The latest information on the trunk road network is always available at www.traffic.gov.scot."

Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, Police Scotland's Head of Road Policing said:

"The amber warning for high winds means that there is a strong likelihood of disruption on the road network and as such, motorists are advised to plan ahead and avoid unnecessary travel where possible.

"If you are travelling, make sure your vehicle has sufficient fuel and is completely roadworthy. 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.

"Please do not ignore any road signage advising of changes to speed or closures to routes. These are in place for your safety and the safety of other road users and listen out for media broadcasts about the weather and how it may be impacting travel.

"Further information of the weather and road closures can be found by visiting the Met Office, Ready Scotland and Traffic Scotland websites and social media accounts."

Contact: 0141 272 7195

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