Weather warning as severe gales hit north
SEVERE gales hit the north overnight with winds reaching speeds of up to 80mph and sheet lightning.
The Met Office has issued an Amber ‘Be Prepared’ warning covering most parts of Scotland .
The storm is predicted to intensify throughout the day, peaking around noon .
Police have closed the Dornoch bridge to all traffic due to high winds
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has also issued a number of flood alerts.
The weather is having an impact on transport and travel with Police Scotland advising drivers that the conditions for road travel are likely to be extremely poor and there is a high risk of disruption for road journeys across Scotland, particularly in the west.
A spokesman for bus company Stagecoach North Scotland said many of its services had been disrupted. Passengers are being asked to check their bus service is running and allow more time for journeys before travelling.
The following Stagecoach services are affected:
- Orkney service - Extremely high winds affecting all roads in Orkney. Churchill Barriers 1, 2 and 3 subject to seas breaking on them, sea spray and cross winds, making them extremely hazardous to cross. All roads affected by cross winds, heavy hail, sleet and snow showers, causing hazardous driving conditions. All services currently operating although subject to delays.
- Service 45A - delayed due to high winds with gusts on exposed parts of routes with heavy rain and thunder with some lighting, 45A service affected at the moment with a fallen tree blocking the road at Kilmallie Road 45A service diverted along the Blah Mhor road on the A830 to Lochy bridge then normal service resumes. Local Police have been informed.
- Skye services - Due to severe weather conditions all Skye services have been suspended. This will be re-assessed at 08:00. All schools have been contacted.
- Inverness services - All services currently operating although subject to delays. High winds and heavy rain affecting all roads this morning. No service disruption as of yet but due to the high winds the Kessock Bridge is closed to high sided vehicles and the Dornoch Bridge is also closed to all traffic.
- Service X98 - Police have closed the Dornoch bridge to all traffic due to high winds service X98 05:50 Tain to Brora and return is unable to operate service will resume from Tain at 07:25
