Storm Ashley: Warning as 'weather bomb' approaches Scotland
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Storm Ashley could bring big waves and may cause water to overflow onto the shore.
This weekend, Storm Ashley is set to hit Scotland, bringing strong winds and heavy rain. As a result, there may be power outages, travel delays, and potential harm to structures.
The Met Office has announced a high wind alert, categorized as amber, for certain western regions on Sunday, predicting gusts of 70-80 mph (113-129 km/h).
A yellow warning has been issued for strong winds reaching speeds of up to 60 mph (97 km/h) across the entire nation. In the northern regions, this alert will extend throughout the busy commute on Monday.
Weather experts report that Storm Ashley, the first storm to be given a name this season, is expected to experience a quick decrease in air pressure as it approaches from the Atlantic on Saturday night. This event is known as a "weather bomb."
The term originates from the American concept of "bombogenesis," which refers to a drop of at least 24 millibars in atmospheric pressure within a 24-hour period.
This will lead to strong winds occurring alongside high spring tides, increasing the chances of big waves and flooding along the coast.
The Met Office indicated a high likelihood of power outages in the amber warning zone, which extends from Argyll in the south to Cape Wrath in the north. This area encompasses numerous island communities throughout the country.
Buildings might suffer damage, including lost roof tiles, and there could be closures of bridges and roads. Train services may be cancelled, and there is a danger to life due to high waves during the amber alert period on Sunday, which lasts from 9:00 AM until midnight.
The yellow warning that applies to all of Scotland will begin sooner, at 03:00 on Sunday, and remain in effect until 09:00 on Monday for the northern region of the country.
Several ferry routes have been entirely canceled for Sunday, including the ones between Ardrossan and Brodick, Troon and Brodick, as well as Oban and Castlebay.
CalMac has cautioned that additional ferry services might be canceled on short notice this Sunday and Monday. Travelers are advised to verify the status of their ferry in advance.
The significant bridge construction on the M8 that was scheduled for this weekend has been delayed until October 25-28.
In Argyll, the Old Military Road has been made accessible as a safety measure in case the A83 Rest And Be Thankful needs to be closed because of the rain, according to Bear Scotland, the organization responsible for road maintenance.
Photo credit: Met Office
The Met Office has issued an amber warning for several islands and regions in the west, while a yellow warning applies to all of Scotland.
A representative from Transport Scotland, Danny Chalmers, informed BBC News that residents throughout Scotland should remain vigilant, as all regions are likely to experience travel delays on Sunday.
He mentioned, "It's important to be especially cautious since this is the first storm of the season with a name, and many drivers may not be familiar with how to handle such extremely windy weather."
"Last year, we experienced an unprecedented amount of storms, so we encourage everyone to double-check travel plans and to budget additional time for their trips."
"When wind speeds reach 80mph, it's clear that ferries will be greatly affected, and there will be limitations on train speeds and bridge usage. Authorities from Police Scotland have made it clear that transportation will be impacted."
Photo credit: Getty Images
Storm Babet caused flooding in certain areas of Angus.
He recognized that many individuals are still dealing with the effects of last year's storms, especially in Brechin, where residents were severely impacted by Storm Babet and have yet to move back into their houses.
Mr. Chalmers stated, "Unfortunately, it’s simply impossible to forecast the number of storms we might experience."
He mentioned that the winds could have a significant impact on heavy goods vehicles, and advised other drivers to stay alert for any fallen trees or obstacles on the road.
Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, who oversees road policing at Police Scotland, advised drivers in the areas affected by the amber alert to prepare in advance.
"If you're going on a trip, ensure that your vehicle has enough gas and is in good condition for the road," she advised.
Make sure your mobile phone is completely charged in case you need to reach out for help. If you think you might be stuck in your car for an extended period, it's a good idea to bring some extra clothes and water with you.
The Met Office recommends that individuals inspect their outdoor spaces for any loose objects, like trampolines or patio furniture.
In England, the Great South Run has been called off. The 10-mile race in Portsmouth was canceled because the organizers stated that they were unable to conduct the event safely due to the weather conditions.
Storm Ashley: Expect A Powerful Impact
BBC Scotland weather presenter
Storm Ashley is expected to bring significant wind impacts, with gusts hitting 70 to 80 mph in the areas under an amber warning, while other parts of Scotland may experience gusts ranging from 50 to 70 mph.
The timing of the storm will amplify its effects. The elevated tides caused by the full moon will raise the likelihood of coastal flooding and disturbances.
At this time of year, many trees are still completely covered in leaves, making them more susceptible to damage or even toppling over in strong winds.
Additionally, many people still have outdoor furniture and toys outside, so it's important to ensure that any items that could be easily blown away are properly secured.
The strongest winds are expected to occur later on Sunday afternoon, continuing into the evening and the early part of the night.
Monday will continue to be quite breezy, particularly in the northern areas, though the winds should gradually calm down throughout the day. Tuesday and Wednesday appear to be more peaceful with less wind.
