Families brace for gusty start to school holidays as storm rolls in

Families should brace for travel chaos from winds gusting to more than 80mph on Friday, just as many schools close for the October holiday.

The Met Office have issued a “danger to life” warning for the western half of Scotland due to a severe Atlantic storm.

Thousands of families will be hoping to set off on their autumn break that day, but all forms of travel – road, rail, ferry and air services – face severe disruption.

Scotland will briefly experience a return to summer temperatures tomorrow and Thursday before the storm arrives from Iberia on Friday morning.

Met Office spokesman Nicky Maxey said it was possible it would become a named storm – Callum – later in the week.

She said:”at the moment, there is still a degree of uncertainty as to the exact track and timing of this weather system.

“Our models slightly disagree on where and when the worst of the winds will arrive.

“It is certainly one we are keeping an eye on and it could get a name if we feel it will have a severe impact on large populations and their infrastructure.”

Ms Maxey said the source of the storm was the mid Atlantic.

As the week goes on, the weather front will make for Spain and Portugal before veering north towards Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The yellow “be aware” warning starting 5am on Friday states: “Gusts 50 to 60mph are likely in some places, with potential for gusts of 70 to 80mpharoundexposedcoasts and hills, with large waves an additional hazard.

“There is a small chance of gusts over 80mph in the Western Isles during the afternoon and evening.

“The strongest winds are expected across Northern Ireland during the morning and Scotland through the afternoon and evening.”

The areas affected include Central, Tayside, Fife, Highlands and Islands, south-west Scotland, Lothian and Borders, and Strathclyde. The Met Office said there was a small chance “injuries and danger to life” were possible especially on or near beaches where debris could be thrown onto coastal roads and properties.

Buildings could be damaged, with the greatest risk coming from tiles blown off roofs. Widespread travel disruption is expected and some road bridges may be forced to close. The alert is due to lift at 9pm.