Dundonians warned to batten down hatches

DUNDONIANS are being warned to take care tomorrow when winds of up to 60mph blow into Tayside.

The Met Office has issued a yellow “be aware” alert for the whole of Scotland as the strong gale-force gusts arrive from the Atlantic Ocean.

The warning applies from 3am tomorrow until 3pm, with heavy rain showers and growing winds expected in the early hours in some areas.

Bonnie Diamond, meteorologist at the national forecaster, said the gusts were the result of a low pressure system moving in, dispelling the mild and sunny conditions of recent times. Be ready for the weather.

She said: “We’re losing the high pressure we’ve been blessed with in the last few weeks. A cold front system, together with Atlantic low pressure moving in from the west, is bringing this windy weather.

“The winds will pick up during the early hours of tomorrow morning, and along with that there will be bouts of rain – but it doesn’t look like that will affect the east coast of Scotland much.”

Ms Diamond added that the winds were likely to peak in the later hours of the morning or the early afternoon.

General wind speeds of 30mph are anticipated throughout the day.

Those travelling during the peak times are being warned to take precautions.

Ms Diamond continued: “Over on the west coast we’re expecting possible ferry cancellations but, elsewhere, we would expect some disruption for those travelling by air.

“Locally, there’s a risk of damage to buildings such as tiles coming off roofs and a possibility of some trees being blown down. If your journey is necessary make sure you stay aware of any weather updates.”

Those close to the banks of the Tay are directed towards Met Office official guidance that warns of a “small chance injuries and danger to life could occur” at beachfronts and along coastlines.

However, the worst of the winds will clear by mid-afternoon, gradually dropping to gusts of 28mph at their worst by the end of the day.

Friday is expected to be cloudy, but mild, with temperatures of up to 14C – with periods of rain expected on Saturday and Sunday.

Ms Diamond added: “The east coast should be mainly dry but cloudy and a littler cooler than it has been recently.”

Strong winds and heavy rain are forecast for many parts of Scotland tomorrow – although, hopefully, the Dundee area will stay mainly dry.