Scotland’s weather: 70mph winds expected Tuesday

THE remnants of Hurricane Gonzalo will batter parts of Scotland early on Tuesday with winds of up to 70mph, the Met Office warned today.

Heavy winds are expected to hit Scotland on Tuesday. Picture: Jane Barlow

It could cause transport disruption during the morning rush hour, with difficult driving conditions including from leaves blocking drains and fallen trees.

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A yellow - “be aware” - alert was issued today for Tuesday for much of the west coast and parts of Aberdeenshire from midnight to 3pm.

Hurricane Gonzalo. Picture: AP

Forecasters said strong winds and rain would sweep eastwards on Monday night, then increase and veer north-westerly as the rain cleared early on Tuesday.

The Met Office said gales with winds of more than 50mph were likely inland but gusts of 60-70mph in exposed coastal areas in the west and north.

It follows high winds disrupting travel today, with double decker buses banned from the Forth and Tay road bridges.

CalMac said several of its west coast ferry routes were on amber alert and sailings might be cancelled due to forecast 45mph winds.

A Met Office spokesman said of Tuesday’s gales: “The public should be aware of the potential for disruption to travel.

“Difficult driving conditions will result, exacerbated by surface water and spray.

“The remains of Hurricane Gonzalo will run eastwards across the Atlantic, reaching the UK on Monday night, bringing a period of strong winds and heavy rain to the UK.

“Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity, but there remains the potential for localised disruption to travel, especially as the strongest winds will coincide with rush hour in places.”

Areas currently expected to be affected include most of the west coast from the north coast of Sutherland to the English Border, including the Hebrides, and eastern Aberdeenshire and the south eastern Borders.

The Met Office added: “Fallen leaves impeding drainage increases the risk of surface water affecting roads, while some damage to trees is possible, given that many are still in full leaf.”

Hurricane Gonzalo hit Bermuda on Friday with sustained winds speeds of 110mph, damaging the island’s main hospital and leaving 24,000 homes without power - but with no loss of life.