The Met Office has issued a fresh yellow weather warning for strong winds affecting parts of Scotland, with gusts of up to 65mph expected along exposed coasts and over high ground from Monday evening.
Following a weekend of heavy rain and strong winds from Storm Austen and Storm Boelo, which brought transport chaos, flooding and power cuts, the stormy conditions are set to continue. The new warning begins at 6pm on October 26 and lasts until 3am on Tuesday, October 27.
The warning covers Strathclyde and south west Scotland, along with parts of England, Northern Ireland and Wales. A spell of strong south to south-westerly winds is expected to hit the UK during Monday evening and into the early hours of Tuesday.
Coastal routes and transport disruption
The Met Office warning states: "South to south-westerly winds will increase from the west during Monday evening with gusts of 45-50 mph inland and 60-65 mph along exposed coasts and over high ground. The strong winds will be accompanied by heavy rain at times."
Coastal routes are likely to be impacted, with transport delays and power cuts expected. The warning adds: "Winds will then ease from the west during the early hours, before increasing again across northern parts of the UK early on Tuesday morning."
Scots living on the coasts are urged to stay safe during the stormy weather, as large waves could cause injuries and "danger to life". There could also be damage to buildings, power cuts, and the chance that some roads and bridges are closed due to the windy conditions.
Tuesday's warning for the whole of Scotland
After the first warning ends at 3am, a separate wind warning covering the whole of Scotland begins. This warning has recently been reduced by the Met Office, originally set to end at midnight but now expected to ease at 9pm on Tuesday.
The warning reads: "Strong west to southwesterly winds are expected to spread across much of Scotland and fringe the north of Northern Ireland during Tuesday. Gusts of 50-60 mph are possible quite widely and some coastal or exposed areas in the northwest and far north of Scotland could see gusts of 70 mph or more."
It adds: "There is still some uncertainty regarding the peak gusts, but the highest winds are expected in the far north and northwest and most likely over the Hebrides. The strongest of the winds will reduce from the southwest later on Tuesday, with the far north of Scotland the last to see winds ease."
The national forecaster has warned that the strong winds could lead to "damaging gusts and transport disruption". Commuters should keep an eye on transport news as rail and bus services could be delayed or cancelled.
