Forecaster warns of storm ‘danger to life’

Met Office extends weather warning for Tayside and Fife

The UK’s chief forecaster has warned of “danger to life” as Scotland prepares to be battered by the remnants of a tropical storm.

Stormy weather from ex-hurricane Ophelia will batter Scotland with winds of more than 70mph from today, with forecasters warning that Dundee and the surrounding area will be hit.

The Met Office has now extended its previous severe “yellow” weather warning for wind on Tayside and Fife from today into tomorrow afternoon.

Strathclyde, the Highlands, Western Isles, The Borders, Lothian, Dumfries and Galloway are all subject to similar warnings.

The predicted path of the ex-hurricane has changed and will now affect parts of the east coast of Scotland and not the north west.

Forecasters have warned of travel disruption, 80mph winds, “danger to life” from flying debris and power cuts.

The worst of the weather in Courier Country is expected today.

The Met Office said: “Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible.

“Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage.

“Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs could happen, perhaps leading to injuries and danger to life from flying debris.

“Coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities may be affected by spray and/or large waves.

“The warning has been updated to extend the area at risk further east, taking in much of northern England and Wales along with parts of southern and central Scotland. At the same time, much of north west Scotland has been removed.”

The Met Office’s chief forecaster added: “Very strong winds are forecast to affect most western and some central parts of the UK. These strong winds are forecast in association with the northward track of ex-Ophelia.

“Southerly winds are most likely to gust between 55 and 65mph across much of the warning area with the potential for gusts of 80mph in coastal areas.

“Heavy rain is also possible.”

Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs could happen, perhaps leading to injuries and danger to life from flying debris