Warning of blizzards and severe disruption as Storm Doris looms

Storm Doris is expected to batter Scotland with blizzards tomorrow – but England and Wales are expected to suffer even worse weather.

The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for snow over much of mainland Scotland.

The agency warned of transport disruption and power cuts being likely because of winds of up to 60mph, and flooding from heavy rain.

Up to 5cm of snow is expected to fall at lower levels north of the Central Belt, with up to 20cm on hills.

However, far worse conditions are expected across the English Midlands and north Wales, where an amber “be prepared” has been issued.

The yellow – “be aware” – warning for Scotland will be in force from 2am to 6pm tomorrow for most of mainland Scotland, apart from northern Aberdeenshire and the northern Highlands.

A Met Office spokeswoman said: “Snow is expected over high ground of northern England and Scotland on Thursday and may fall to low levels for a time in Scotland.

“Accumulations of 5cm to 10cm are expected on some hills with 2cm to 5cm possible to lower levels to the north of the Central Lowlands.

“The largest accumulations, of 10cm to 20cm, are likely on highest parts of the north Pennines and Southern Uplands.

“In addition, strong winds are expected to develop with gusts of 50mph to 60mph.

“This will result in drifting snow and blizzard conditions over high ground.

“Associated heavy rain at lower levels will be an additional hazard.

“The combination of snow, strong winds and heavy rain is likely to lead to disruption to transport networks and perhaps power supplies.”

It added that the heavy rain could lead to localised flooding in some areas.

The amber warning for England includes gusts of up to 80mph, which the Met Office warned could damage buildings, and cause power cuts and widespread travel disruption, with a danger of injury from flying debris.

A separate yellow warning for severe gales gusting to 80mph today has been issued for Orkney, southern Shetland, the north coast of the mainland and the north-east tip of Aberdeenshire from 3am to 3pm. Flights, ferries and road travel could be disrupted.

The agency’s spokeswoman said: “West to northwesterly severe gales are expected for a time on Wednesday, bringing gusts of 65mph to 70mph and locally 75mph to 80mph over parts of the Northern Isles.

“A swathe of very strong winds is expected to affect Orkney, southern parts of Shetland and the far north of mainland Scotland early on Wednesday, easing from the west through the morning.

“These will briefly clip the far north-east of Aberdeenshire around the middle of the day.”

0 Heavy snow is forecast for areas north of the Central Belt