Trains cancelled and road warnings as Scotland prepares for Storm Boelo

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Train and ferry services have been cancelled and police have warned against unnecessary road journeys as Scotland prepares for the arrival of Storm Boelo. Heavy rain and strong winds are expected during the second named storm to hit in two days, with gusts of up to 80mph forecast. Most of the country is covered by a yellow Met Office warning from midday on Saturday, while a more severe amber alert takes effect from 21:00 on Saturday until 21:00 on Sunday, covering the mainland and Western Isles. Forecasters say the storm, which is the second named storm in two days, could result in injury, flying debris, power cuts and damage to trees and buildings. Scotland to be hit with 80mph wind gusts as Storm Boelo alert upgraded to amber Major travel disruption and thousands without power as Storm Austen hits UK Although the 24-hour amber warning is not unprecedented, it is unusual because of the length of time it will be in place over such a wide geographical area. On Friday the forecast triggered a meeting of the Scottish government's resilience room which ensures the country is prepared for severe weather events. Storm Boelo will bring very strong westerly winds with widespread gusts of 60-70mph (96.6-112.7km/h), and gusts up to 80mph (128.7km/h) in exposed coastal areas. The strongest winds will initially affect western Scotland and the far north of Northern Ireland on Saturday evening and then spread eastwards overnight and through Sunday. This will be accompanied by periods of heavy rain and frequent showers. Forecasters warned that flying debris could cause injuries and danger to life, with a good chance of power cuts and an impact on phone coverage. The Met Office also warned of damage to trees and buildings, bridge closures and transport disruption. Winds will gradually ease from the west through Sunday. Network Rail has confirmed that a number of routes will close as a precaution, while speed restrictions will be introduced across much of Scotland's railways. The following line closures are planned: Glasgow Central – Ayr will close between Kilwinning and Ayr from 21.00 on Saturday. After 2100, a half hourly shuttle service will operate between Glasgow Central and Kilwinning in both direction Glasgow Queen Street – Oban / Mallaig will close between Fort William and Mallaig and between Crianlarich and Oban from about 22.00 on Saturday Inverness – Kyle of Lochalsh will close between Kyle of Lochalsh and Achnashellach from the start of service on Sunday Inverness – Wick / Thurso will close between Helmsdale and Wick / Thurso from the start of service on Sunday. Passengers are advised to expect significant disruption and longer journeys, and are should check services before they travel. Fourteen of CalMac's 30 ferry services , external on the west coast of Scotland have been cancelled, some of them until Monday. All other routes are facing disruption because of the weather. Supt Andy Barclay, deputy head of road policing for Police Scotland, warned drivers that conditions may be hazardous and urged them to consider whether journeys were "really necessary" over the weekend. Stopping distances can be at least double on wet roads compared to dry conditions, and spray can reduce driver visibility 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 If you need to travel, please drive to the conditions and allow extra time for your journey Stay tuned to media outlets for further updates and consult the Traffic Scotland website and social media channels for information relating to affected roads As for coastal areas, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) said that weather conditions pose a safety risk to visitors and advised "extreme caution" if people are near the shoreline, especially along exposed cliffs, seafronts and piers. The charity's water safety lead, Michael Avril, urged people to keep a safe distance from the water as conditions "could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea". Paisley's popular Halloween festival which was taking place this weekend has been cancelled. It included a parade, street theatre and outdoor light installations. Renfrewshire Council said that while Friday's event had gone ahead as planned, it was "really sorry" that Saturday's events had been cancelled because of the severe weather forecast. The Enchanted Forest event at Pitlochry on Saturday has also been cancelled while organisers have said it is possible Sunday's event may be cancelled too. A Halloween family fun day at Dean Park Castle and Country Park in Kilmarnock, scheduled for Sunday, has been postponed due to the weather warning. Some other events may be postponed during the stormy conditions. Friday's Scottish Cup tie between Penicuik Athletic and Clyde was among the first to be delayed because of heavy rain. Western Isles Council said events including church services should be aware of strong winds throughout Sunday and advised they "plan accordingly". 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Source: BBC Science and Environment. Read the original report

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