Holiday ‘hoolie’ ahead as Storm Barbara heads in

SANTA had better hold on to his hat because forecasters predict the stormiest Christmas in years this weekend.

A succession of deep low pressure weather systems – dubbed Storm Barbara – charging in from the Atlantic is set to bring severe storms and wintery rainfall to the West Coast, Argyll included, until Boxing Day at the very least.

The Met Office has issued yellow (be aware) warnings for today, Friday. Gusts of 60mph to 70mph are possible in Mid Argyll until Saturday morning, with westerly gusts to 80mph or 90mph expected in parts of the West Coast.

A Saturday lull is expected to be shortlived and amber (be prepared) Met Office warnings have been issued as another low pressure system brings gale force south-westerly winds – just as Santa is delivering his presents – through until Boxing Day morning.

Deputy chief meteorologist Chris Tubbs said: ‘Storm Barbara, forming in the west Atlantic, will pass close to the northwest of the UK during Friday, bringing very strong winds and heavy rain, especially across the north and west of Scotland. This brings the potential for some structural damage, disruption to power supplies and travel, with restrictions on bridges and disruption to ferries likely.

‘The disturbed conditions look like continuing through the Christmas weekend with another vigorous low pressure system waiting in the wings.’

Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne is advising customers to pay close attention to weather forecasts and to plan accordingly.

CalMac’s operations director Drew Collier said: ‘As ever, we will do everything we can to safely deliver our services across the 200 miles of our network, but, at the moment, it seems significant disruption is highly likely.

‘Customers are strongly advised to pay close and regular attention to weather forecasts, as well as regularly checking online.’

Power company Scottish and Southern Energy has boosted the number of standby personnel and is moving engineers, plant and welfare services to areas expected to be impacted by the storm.