Howling Hector, the once a decade storm

STORM Hector is a once-in-a-decade event, forecasters warned last night.

With winds gusting up to 70mph, there is concern for anyone planning to be out in the open today, particularly campers in the Highlands.

The Met Office says Hector – the first named storm to hit the country during summer – could pose ‘a danger to life’.

Spokesman Grahame Madge said: ‘A storm on this scale at this time of the year has to be considered differently to one happening in winter. People are more likely to be travelling, camping, caravanning and boating than if it was October or November.

‘A storm of this intensity at this time of year is not unheard of but it is unusual to get these winds in June. In a decade, you would expect to see these kind of wind speeds perhaps once or twice.’

He added that 50 to 60mph gusts were expected ‘quite generally across all of Scotland, except Shetland’ with up to 70mph ‘in more exposed locations’.

A Transport Scotland spokesman said: ‘The weather may lead to difficult driving conditions in affected areas, particularly for high-sided vehicles, and could lead to restrictions on bridges. Motorists should take extra time to plan their journeys, follow police advice and drive to the conditions. The winds may also impact other modes of transport, so travellers should check with operators to see if services are affected.’

Scot Rail plans to run a full timetable today but has teams on standby to remove any debris blown on to the tracks.

Cal Mac’s director of service delivery, David Gibson, said: ‘It is difficult to pin down individual routes that will be affected the most. However, we expect significant disruption.’ He added: ‘I’d urge people to check the latest service status before they travel.’

The Met Office warning covers 12 hours today from 3am to 3pm, with the peak during the Central Belt’s morning rush hour. It states: ‘There is a small chance of longer journey times or cancellations as road, rail, air and ferry services are affected.’

It says there is a ‘slight chance of some damage’ to buildings and possible power cuts ‘with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage’.

It also warns: ‘There is a small chance that injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown on to sea fronts, coastal roads and properties. There is a small chance of injuries and danger to life from flying debris. Disruption to outdoor activities is also likely, with damage to tents, marquees and other temporary structures.’ Beast from the East linked to

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