Storm Ali set to bring 80mph gusts to Scotland
● Gusts could close Queensferry Crossing to lorries for first time
The Queensferry Crossing is likely to be shut to lorries for the first time today, with “dangerous” winds of up to 80mph forecast to batter Scotland.
The year-old bridge could be shut to high-sided vehicles after the Met Office issued an amber weather warning as Storm Ali descends on the Central Belt.
The severe weather alert will be in force from 8am to 5pm.
Scotland’s first storm of the autumn threatens a path of destruction across the Central Belt today amid winds that could gust up to 80mph.
The Met Office has issued its second-highest level severe weather warning and said “dangerous” conditions were likely.
The amber “be prepared” alert will be in force from 8am to 5pm for most of Scotland south of Mull and Aberdeen, including Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Gusts of 65 to 75mph are expected across the area, with 80mph possible in exposed locations such as on coasts and high ground.
The rest of Scotland is covered by a yellow “be aware” warning from 6am to 10pm.
Likely transport disruption could see the year-old Queensferry Crossing closed to lorries and other high-sided vehicles for the first time.
Operator Amey tweeted: “Latest forecast predicts very strong winds gusting up to 76mph at the Forth Bridges on Wednesday afternoon.
“This would see Forth Road Bridge close completely and the Queensferry Crossing close to high-sided vehicles for the first time.”
Chief Superintendent Stewart Carle, head of road policing for Police Scotland, said: “If you are driving a vehicle which may be vulnerable to being blown over in such conditions along exposed routes including bridges, please exercise additional caution and plan your route to avoid exposed areas or consider cancelling your journey until conditions improve.”
He said previous incidents had put others in danger.
The Met Office issued its standard warning for amber alerts that flying debris “could lead to injuries or danger to life”.
It said building damage was probable such as tiles blown from roofs, or from falling trees and branches.
Met Office chief forecaster Laura Paterson said: “As this is the first spell of very strong winds of the season and given that most trees are still in full leaf, we are likely to see some dangerous conditions with falling trees and flying branches and other debris likely.
“Strong winds will be accompanied by heavy, squally showers.
“The outlook for the remainder of the week is rather unsettled, with further strong winds and heavy rain expected across most parts of the UK.”
Network Rail Scotland issued a plea to people living beside rail lines to tie down gazebos and trampolines to prevent them being blown onto tracks.
Calmac has cancelled sailings on many of its main west coast routes such as Oban to Barra, Colonsay and Coll/ Tiree, and Kintyre-islay.
Its Mull-iona service will also be suspended, where winds could gust to 70mph.
Ali marks the start of this winter’s alphabeticallynamed storms covering the UK and Ireland.
Storm Helene, which affected parts of Britain yesterday, did not have its name changed to avoid confusion.
The Met Office said when an Atlantic storm was named by the US National Hurricane Centre in Miami, its name was retained if it hit the UK.