Travel disruption likely in some areas
The Met Office has issued an Amber, Be Prepared warning for high winds across parts of Scotland later today and through until the end of the morning peak period on Tuesday, as Storm Henry is set to arrive.
The worst of the conditions are expected in the Highlands, Strathclyde and along Western Coastal areas with wind speeds of up to 90mph forecast in some exposed areas.
This could lead to restrictions or closures of some of the key bridges on the trunk road network and disruption across other parts of the transport network, including ferries.
Details of the weather alerts are available at: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings.
The winds are expected to worsen on Monday afternoon (1500) through the peak period on Tuesday morning (0900).
Transport Scotland is working with partner organisations, including Police Scotland and the transport operators, to try to mitigate the effects of the conditions. Our Multi-Agency Response Team (MART) has been active throughout the weekend at the National Traffic Control Centre and will continue operations into the new week.
The Trunk Road Operating Companies winter fleets have been out across the country, with teams treating and patrolling the roads and reacting to any incidents, but as conditions are expected to be changeable, motorists should follow Police advice.
Passengers should also check with their travel operator’s website before they leave and be mindful of the conditions. Transport Minister Derek Mackay said: “A wide range of agencies and organisations have their response plans in place to help mitigate the effects of this latest set of conditions but there is every likelihood of some disruption to the transport network in the coming few days.
“The wintry weather is forecast to deteriorate tomorrow with the arrival of Storm Henry which carries an Amber Alert for high winds from Monday afternoon continuing through the peak on Tuesday morning. Our Multi-Agency Response Team, based at the National Traffic Scotland Control Centre which has been in operation throughout the weekend will remain in place to monitor events and respond as required. Our fleet of patrol vehicles and gritters are treating roads where needed around the clock to help keep roads open to traffic, but quickly changing conditions means journeys could be disrupted.
“As always we would ask the public to play their part by listening to the latest weather forecasts and plan their journeys accordingly. With wet and windy conditions continuing and wind speeds expected to be as high as 90mph in some more exposed places, people should continue to check radio reports, visit the Traffic Scotland website or twitter feed, check with their transport operator, and take the latest police advice before setting off.”