Snowstorms, gales, floods...and even a twister. Welcome to flaming June!
AFTER a miserable May, one might have hoped that the official first day of summer would finally bring Scotland some sunshine.
Instead, June arrived with gale force winds and heavy rain battering the country.
Dangerous gusts of up to 60mph ripped branches from trees, and torrential overnight rain proved hazardous for drivers.
Forecasters at the Met Office have warned of flying debris and surface water after the sudden stormy weather.
Spokesman Dan Williams said: ‘This type of weather is definitely unusual for this time of year, and many would be expecting to see some sunshine by now.
‘Trees are a lot more susceptible to strong winds during summer months. They are in full leaf so expect a lot of branches and leaves to be on the roads.
‘Conditions on the roads this morning will be pretty bad. The heavy overnight rain will leave water lying on the surface, so there could be pretty tricky conditions during the morning rush hour.’
Gusts of 70mph in isolated areas made it the UK’s most powerful wind in summer months since 2012.
There was even some lying snow in the Cairngorm Mountains, Glencoe, and hills around the Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint in Argyll.
A spokesman for the RAC has warned drivers to take extra care this morning.
He said: ‘Fallen branches could cause havoc f or unsuspecting motorists.
‘ People should avoid t owing caravans, which are vulnerable to being blown into other traffic. If conditions get bad, drivers of highsided vehicles should pull over until the worst passes.’
A yellow weather warning for wind was in place from 2pm yesterday and will remain until 6pm today.
Caledonian MacBrayne f erries suffered severe disruption as 21 out of the operator’s 26 sailings were affected by the stormy winds.
Fifteen ferry sailings were on amber alert yesterday, including Ardrossan to Brodick, Wemyss Bay to Rothesay and routes around Skye, Harris and Mull.
Ferry services to Islay and Colonsay were cancelled, and a further six sailings were called off as the weather worsened throughout the day.
CalMac has urged passengers to check the status of their sailings before travelling.
The weather could also affect journeys to Northern Ireland today
‘Many would expect to see sunshine’
after the 4pm and 7.15pm sailings of P&O ferries between Troon, Ayrshire, and Larne in Northern Ireland, were cancelled yesterday.
Passengers were urged to arrange alternative travel on the Cairnryan to Larne service.
Strong winds could reach 70mph across the Irish Sea and English Channel today, resulting in high tides and strong waves.
Traffic on the Forth Road Bridge was limited to 40mph yesterday and locals on the Isle of Lewis reported that they had seen a mini tornado forming.
A funnel cloud – the precursor to a tornado – was seen whizzing over the island at the weekend.
The funnel extends from the base of a cloud and if it touches the ground, it becomes a tornado.
Dr Eddy Graham, a meteorologist at the University of the Highlands and Islands, said it happens in the area two or three times a year.
He added: ‘They are cold air columns and they have something to do with the cold weather we have been having.
‘They look more threatening than they are – they may cause minor damage, trampolines being blown about, that sort of thing. This one on Saturday was seen by a number of people.’
Meanwhile, poor weather conditions in the Highlands forced mountain rescue teams to halt their search for a missing hillwalker.
Eric Cyl, 63, from England, was last seen heading off into the Ring of Steall in the Mamores mountain range, near Fort William, Invernessshire on Saturday morning.
Lochaber and RAF Lossiemouth mountain rescue teams searched from 8am yesterday with dogs and a coastguard helicopter.
However, Police Scotland said snow and strong winds at mountain level halted the search at 4pm.
Mr Cyl, who was walking alone, was last seen wearing a light grey jacket and dark trousers and was carrying two walking poles.
Police have appealed for anyone who saw him in the region on Saturday to contact them.
However, despite the wintry weather, forecasters are hopeful that things will pick up this week.
Mr Williams said: ‘The band of rain should clear away throughout today. The East of Scotland will be a bit drier than the West. Today will be
brighter but there’s still a chance of some showers.
‘The winds will start to calm down from yesterday’s overnight gales, but it could stay around 40mph in coastal areas.
‘As we go through the week it will slowly get warmer day by day and the wind speed will drop.
‘The initial signs for next week are the temperatures will stay around 59f (15c) before warming up.
‘After we get the next couple of days out of the way, the weather will improve and appear more normal for this time of year.’