The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings as Storm Ashley is set to hit the UK this weekend, bringing powerful winds, travel disruption, and potential damage to buildings.
The storm, which is expected to cause power cuts and hazardous conditions, will mainly affect Scotland.
An amber warning for high winds has been issued for parts of western Scotland on Sunday, with gusts reaching up to 70-80 mph (113-129 km/h) in some exposed coastal areas. More widely, winds of 55-65 mph are anticipated. Additionally, a yellow warning covers the entire country, predicting gusts of up to 60 mph (97 km/h), particularly impacting northern regions during Monday’s rush hour.
The amber alert will be in effect from 9 am on Sunday until midnight, stretching from Argyll to Cape Wrath, and includes many of Scotland's island communities. The yellow warning, however, begins earlier, starting at 3 am on Sunday and lasting until 9 am on Monday for northern areas.
Storm Ashley, the season's first named storm, is expected to undergo rapid intensification as it moves in from the Atlantic on Saturday night, a process known as a ‘weather bomb.’ This term refers to a rapid pressure drop of at least 24 millibars within 24 hours, a phenomenon meteorologists call “bombogenesis.”
The storm's high winds will coincide with high tides, posing a risk of large waves and coastal flooding.
Ferry routes, including Ardrossan – Brodick, Troon – Brodick, and Oban – Castlebay, have already canceled Sunday services, with more cancellations expected. CalMac has advised passengers to check for last-minute service updates over the weekend.
Ashleigh Robson, Transport Scotland’s head of resilience, warned of widespread travel disruption, urging passengers to stay updated, especially as many families travel during the October school holidays.
Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, head of road policing for Police Scotland, advised drivers in the amber alert areas to prepare for difficult conditions. She emphasized the importance of ensuring vehicles are roadworthy, carrying extra fuel, and having essentials like a charged mobile phone, additional clothing, and water in case of delays.
Storm Ashley is expected to create hazardous conditions across the UK, and residents are urged to remain vigilant and take precautions to stay safe. Photo by Richard Knights, Wikimedia commons.