A rare red warning for wind has been issued for Scotland, with destructive wind gusts of up to 100mph driven by Storm Eowyn to strike the country on Friday. The Met Office has warned of “very dangerous conditions”. The alert also covers Northern Ireland.
The warning is in place covering parts of southern Scotland between 10am and 5pm on Friday, with widespread disruption expected. Much of the Central Belt is included in the red weather warning area, including Edinburgh and Glasgow. Forecasters are warning of flying debris resulting in danger to life, as well as “very dangerous” driving conditions because of fallen trees.
There may also be power cuts, damage to buildings and homes, and delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights. The record for a gust in Northern Ireland is 124mph in Kilkeel in Co Down in January 1974. A statement from the Met Office said: “South-westerly then westerly winds will rapidly increase from west to east Friday mid-morning onwards into the afternoon, with peak gusts of 80-90mph fairly widely and perhaps up to 100 mph along exposed western coasts.
“This brings the risk of significant disruption to transport and power supplies as well as dangerous conditions outdoors. Winds will gradually ease through Friday evening.” An amber weather alert remains in place for a significant swathe of the rest of Scotland, extending across the Scottish Borders and up further into Fife.
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