Storm to bring 80mph winds to Scotland

Storm Caroline is forecast to hit Scotland with gusts of up to 80mph tomorrow, followed by snow and ice on Friday and Saturday.

Severe weather warnings have been issued by the Met Office for much of the country, with disruption threatened to roads, railways, ferries and flights. There could also be power cuts due to felled cables. A second yellow warning for ice and snow will cover all but eastern Scotland south from Aberdeen from midnight on Friday to 6pm on Saturday.

Storm Caroline is forecast to batter Scotland with gusts of up to 80mph tomorrow followed by snow and ice on Friday and Saturday.

Severe weather warnings have been issued by the Met Office for much of the country, with disruption threatened to roads, railways, ferries and flights.

A yellow – “be aware” – alert will be in force for northern Scotland from 8am to midnight tomorrow, with 60-70mph gusts widespread and up to 80mph on northfacing coasts and across the Northern and Western Isles.

Coastal areas will be hit by large waves and there could be power cuts from felled cables.

A second yellow warning, for ice and snow, will cover all but eastern Scotland south from Aberdeen from midnight on Friday to 6pm on Saturday.

The Met Office said up to 20cm of snow could fall on high ground and 2-5cm elsewhere, also disrupting travel.

It said strong winds may cause drifting snow and blizzard conditions across northern Scotland.

The heaviest and most frequent snow showers will become confined to the north east on Saturday, but ice could pose a widespread risk.

However, snow amounts could vary considerably, even in neighbouring areas.

Met Office chief meteorologist Steve Ramsdale said: “The strongest winds will reach the north west of Scotland early on Thursday, extending to north east Scotland and the Northern Isles in the afternoon.

“Snow showers will become increasingly frequent and heavy across northern Scotland during Thursday evening.”

Transport minister Humza Yousaf said: “Our trunk road operating companies will be out patrolling and gritting as required.”