Weather: Storms alertas Scots urgedto prepare for lash of Katia’s tail

The tail-end of what was Hurricane Katia is expected to sweep in this afternoon, battering the Central Belt and lashing the west coast with heavy rain until tomorrow.

The Scottish Government warned that travel is likely to be “difficult” and urged commuters to leave work early today.

The Met Office highlighted the increased threat of falling trees because they have yet to lose their leaves, making them more prone to being uprooted. Forecaster Ian Robinson said wind speeds would increase during the day, from 50mph in the morning to 60-70mph by the afternoon, and 80mph in places this evening.

He said the strong winds would continue into tomorrow morning before abating.

Mr Robinson said the worst hit areas could include the Borders and East Lothian, with the winds receiving an extra “bounce” as they crossed the Southern Uplands.

However, there will also be persistent heavy rain in northern Argyll, Lochaber and the west Highlands, where winds are also expected to reach 60mph.

“This is being caused by the remnants of Hurricane Katia, which is now just a deep Atlantic depression,” Mr Robinson said. “Scotland gets this type of storm several times every winter, but the difference is this one has come early, when trees are still in full leaf, making it easier for them to be pushed over.

“It is also a damp end of the summer, which hinders trees’ ability to hold their ground.”

Transport minister Keith Brown said extra transport staff were being moved to areas likely to be hit.

Speaking after a meeting of the Scottish Government’s resilience room yesterday, he said: “Forecasts suggest travel conditions are likely to be difficult.

“Robust contingency arrangements are in place, so people should not panic but we should be prepared.

“There is likely to be some disruption to roads, rail and ferry services, so travellers are advised to allow more time for journeys.

“The high winds and heavy rain are expected to peak on Monday afternoon and evening, so commuters are advised that if they can leave work earlier that would be a very sensible step to help avoid rush-hour delays.

“We are all working hard to keep Scotland moving and I urge everyone to allow extra time for travel, avoid unnecessary risks and keep checking websites and local radio for information.”

Network Rail said it would have extra staff on hand to deal with damage, some equipped with chainsaws to clear fallen trees.

Spokesman Keith Lumley said ScotRail may cut services later today if conditions deteriorate to reduce the risk to trains from landslips and fallen trees.

ScotRail, which is also drafting in extra staff, confirmed that temporary timetables may be introduced, and urged passengers to check its website.

West coast ferries face a second day of disruption after sailings on several routes were cancelled yesterday by the weather.

Caledonian MacBrayne halted services between Lochranza on Arran and Claonaig in Kintyre, while its Oban-Colonsay route was also suspended.

An “amber” flood alert was issued yesterday for Tayside by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. It said: “ Rivers levels are particularly high in the upper tributaries of the River Tay and the River Earn and are likely to remain high into Monday.”