Warning as new storms approach
IT is the perfect picture of a glorious winter’s day, with the sun shining and a sprinkle of snow on the sandy beach.
However such idyllic scenes will soon be a distant memory, as Storm Etienne brings rain and snow to Scotland today. Forecasters have also placed the country on a “danger to life” yellow alert for Storm Deirdre, with gales expected to reach 80mph by Friday.
The warning comes just a week after a couple were swept to their deaths by Storm Diana.
James and Susan Kenneavy perished after their home area in south west Scotland was pounded by 30 foot waves and hurricane-force winds on November 28.
Their bodies were found near Port William after the couple’s wrecked Ford Kuga car was discovered by workmen on a beach close to their home at Drummore in Wigtownshire.
Now, Dumfries and Galloway is just one of many Scots regions told to prepare for yet another tempest sweeping in from the Atlantic on Friday.
A warning from the Met Office states: “There is a small chance that injuries and danger to life could occur from flying debris, as well as large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.”
Weathermen say it is also possible that power cuts could occur and buildings could be damaged, especially roofs.
Local authorities will also be monitoring public displays of Christmas decorations, including civic trees and fairy lights, which could be vulnerable to wind damage.
The whole of mainland Scotland and the Western Isles is covered by the warning, save for the far north, Orkney and Shetland. The severe weather is due to hit around 3am on Friday, lasting the entire day.
Inland gusts of between 60 and 70mph are widely anticipated, with 80mph possible in exposed locations.
Yesterday, motorists and pedestrians fell victim to icy conditions which had developed overnight.
Greater Glasgow and Clyde admitted its hospital A&E departments were “exceptionally busy” with patients who had fallen on icy surfaces.
It was reported that a queue of 83 people had formed at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow.