Police travel advice issued ahead of Storm Amy
Storm Amy update as at 3 October, 12:15pm
The Met Office has issued an updated amber warning for wind between midnight and 9pm on Saturday, 4 October as Storm Amy brings weather impacts to large parts of Scotland.
The new warning is expected to affect the following areas:
- Aberdeenshire
- Moray
- Na h-Eileanan Siar
- Highland
- Orkney Islands
This warning is in addition to the amber warning for wind in place between 5pm tonight (Friday, 3 October) and 9am tomorrow (Saturday, 4 October).
A high risk of disruption can be expected due to the high winds, including potential power outages and flooding. A partnership response has been activated to deal with the impact from Storm Amy.
Useful links:
Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks is providing updates about preparations for Storm Amy and will also share information about power outages and repairs. You can also find details about locations of their welfare vans on their social media channels. You can report damage by calling 105 or through their Power Track website.
SEPA flood alerts and warnings are in place, you can find more information on their website.
Ready Scotland has advice for emergencies.
Thursday, 2 October
Met Office weather warnings are in place for large parts of Scotland as Storm Amy is expected to bring strong wind and rain.
An amber wind warning is in place across the west and north-west of Scotland between 5pm Friday, 3 October and 9am Saturday, 4 October. As such, there may be a high risk of disruption in the following areas:
- Moray
- Na h-Eileanan Siar
- Highland
- Orkney Islands
- Argyll and Bute
The full Met Office warning can be accessed here as well as information on steps to take.
Additional yellow warnings for wind and rain are also in place for most of Scotland on Friday, 3 October which will have impacts.
Chief Superintendent Scott McCarren, head of Road Policing, said: “I would encourage people to drive to the conditions and be aware of increased stopping distances.
“In wet weather, stopping distances will be at least double those required for stopping on dry roads.
“Drivers of vehicles vulnerable to being blown over should plan their route to avoid exposed areas or consider cancelling your journey until conditions improve.”
Details on Storm Amy
Storm Amy will bring a spell of damaging winds, initially in western areas during Friday evening before gradually transferring north-eastwards through the night and into early Saturday. During this period, wind gusts of 60-70 mph are likely fairly widely, and may exceed 95 mph in more exposed areas. This is likely to lead to travel and power disruption.
The very strong winds will also be accompanied by spells of heavy rain, with difficult driving conditions likely, especially for high-sided vehicles on prone routes. Winds will ease for most parts through Saturday afternoon but will continue to be very strong for the Northern Isles and parts of the far north of Scotland through to the end of Saturday, before slowly easing overnight.
General travel advice
- Plan ahead and avoid unnecessary travel
- All road users should consider if they really need to travel during adverse weather
- Consider delaying travel until conditions improve
- Check with train and ferry operators for information about delays or cancellations
- If you are travelling on the roads, prepare yourself and your vehicle for the conditions
- Ensure your mobile phone is charged and plan your journey, including an alternative route
- Have sufficient fuel, warm clothing, food and water in case you’re delayed
- Do not ignore road closure signs – they are for your safety
- Congestion caused by vehicles may restrict emergency services and recovery vehicles from providing essential assistance
- Listen to media broadcasts, including radio, for updates
- Follow your local authority for the latest updates in your area via Facebook, Twitter or their website
- Other information can be found on the Met Office, Ready Scot, Traffic Scotland and TravelLine websites and social media accounts
Driving in wind
HGV and bus drivers should drive with extreme caution and be aware you may be asked to park at a suitable position by the police.
Drivers of vehicles vulnerable to being blown over should plan their route to avoid exposed areas or consider cancelling your journey until conditions improve.
Cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians should consider the risk of being blown over or into the path of other road users.
Driving in rain
Drive to the conditions. Spray can reduce driver visibility.
Be aware of increased stopping distances. In wet weather, stopping distances will be at least double those required for stopping on dry roads.
Driving through areas of flooding can result in catastrophic damage to your vehicle.
It may also result in the road becoming blocked with recovery required and may delay emergency services and road maintenance workers.
Listen to media broadcasts especially local radio and Traffic Scotland Radio or visit Traffic Scotland | Trunk road traffic updates & route planner.
For public transport information visit www.travelinescotland. Follow @policescotland and @trafficscotland on Twitter for up-to-date travel information.
