Storm Bram could bring winds of up to 90mph in parts of northwest Scotland and travellers have been urged to plan ahead in case of disruptions
Scotland has been warned of transport disruption as Storm Bram pummels the United Kingdom, with “amber” wind warnings issued for parts of the country.
The northern and western parts of the UK will be hit with strong winds and heavy rains amid a deep area of low pressure weather. Storm Bram could bring winds of up 90mph in parts of northwest Scotland, the Met Office said.
“A short spell of very strong southwesterly winds are expected to develop as Storm Bram passes close to northwest Scotland on Tuesday evening and night,” the Met Office said.
Heavy rain may exacerbate the impacts.
The “amber” warning was in place until 11.59pm on Tuesday, December 8. Thereafter a less-sever “yellow” warning will stand on Wednesday.
The Met Office said there is the potential for large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties. Roads, bridges and railway lines may close, with delays and cancellations to some services. Power cuts could occur and damage to buildings and homes is possible. Flying debris may also pose a danger to life.
Transport Scotland said the storm will likely cause disruption to road, rail, air and ferry travel.
“The high winds are likely to impact other modes of transport, so if you are planning to travel by train, ferry or air, please check with your operator to see if your service has been affected,” said Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop. She urged people to plan ahead if needing to travel.
Scottish train operating company ScotRail late on Tuesday said in a post on platform X, previously known as Twitter, that speed restrictions will be in place on a number of routes, causing some delays as a result of Storm Bram’s heavy rains and strong winds.
The railway company said some services will be revised, including:
- The Inverness – Kyle of Lochalsh line, closed from 5pm due to forecasted strong winds
- Fort Willaim – Mallaig, closed from 4pm due to forecasted strong winds
- Carlisle – Glasgow Central, some services will be revised and may start/terminate at Dumfries
- Glasgow Central – Kilmarnock, may terminate/start at Barrhead
- Glasgow Central – Largs/Ardrossan Harbour, may be cancelled from around midday if strong winds coincide with high tide causing waves to trip the overhead lines
Regions impacted by the amber weather warning include Highlands and Eilean Siar and Strathclyde.
Highlands and Eilean Siar can expect winds to strengthen overnight on Tuesday, with storm force winds across the Hebrides and west coast, with widespread gales elsewhere. Wednesday will remain windy with gales across north. A maximum temperature 11C is forecast for Wednesday.
The Strathclyde region can expect gales or severe gales with a risk of storm force winds overnight on Tuesday, but winds are likely to ease. Wednesday will remain windy, with a risk of gales for exposed coasts and high ground. A maximum temperature 9C is forecast for Wednesday.
An amber rain warning was also issued for parts of South Wales and the South West of England, mostly covering Dartmoor in Devon.
The forecaster said around 100mm of rain could fall in some locations.
