Trains cancelled and roads warnings as Scotland prepares for Storm Boelo

A train travels along a coastal railway as huge waves crash over stormy seas, spraying water across the tracks.

Image source, PA MediaImage caption,

Some train services will be cancelled during Storm Boelo

Published29 minutes ago

Train services have been cancelled and police have warned against unnecessary road journeys as Scotland prepares for the arrival of Storm Boelo.

Heavy rain and strong winds are expected during the second named storm to hit in two days, with gusts of up to 80mph forecast.

Most of the country is covered by a yellow Met Office warning from midday on Saturday, while a more severe amber alert takes effect from 21:00 on Saturday until 21:00 on Sunday, covering the mainland and Western Isles.

Forecasters say the storm, which is the second named storm in two days, could result in injury, flying debris, power cuts and damage to trees and buildings.

Although the 24-hour amber warning is not unprecedented, it is unusual because of the length of time it will be in place over such a wide geographical area.

On Friday the forecast triggered a meeting of the Scottish government's resilience room which ensures the country is prepared for severe weather events.

How bad will the weather be?

A Met Office map of the UK with two yellow wind warnings, covering Northern Ireland, Orkney and the north of England. An amber wind warning covers the whole Scottish mainland and the Western Isles.

Image source, Met OfficeImage caption,

The amber warning takes effect from 21:00 on Saturday

Storm Boelo will bring very strong westerly winds with widespread gusts of 60-70mph (96.6-112.7km/h), and gusts up to 80mph (128.7km/h) in exposed coastal areas.

The strongest winds will initially affect western Scotland and the far north of Northern Ireland on Saturday evening and then spread eastwards overnight and through Sunday.

This will be accompanied by periods of heavy rain and frequent showers.

Forecasters warned that flying debris could cause injuries and danger to life, with a good chance of power cuts and an impact on phone coverage.

The Met Office also warned of damage to trees and buildings, bridge closures and transport disruption.

Winds will gradually ease from the west through Sunday.

Can I travel during the storm?

Public transport is still running, though ScotRail has confirmed that some train services will be cancelled:

Glasgow Central – Ayr line will close between Kilwinning and Ayr from 21:00 on Saturday
Glasgow Queen Street – Oban / Mallaig line will close between Fort William and Mallaig and between Crianlarich and Oban from around 22:00
Inverness – Kyle of Lochalsh line will close between Kyle of Lochalsh and Achnashellach from the start of service on Sunday
Inverness – Wick / Thurso line will close between Helmsdale and Wick / Thurso from the start of service on Sunday

Network Rail said trains will also run at reduced speeds across large parts of Scotland from Saturday night into Sunday.

Passengers are advised to expect significant disruption and longer journeys, and are should check services before they travel.

Supt Andy Barclay, deputy head of road policing for Police Scotland, warned drivers that conditions may be hazardous and urged them to consider whether journeys were "really necessary" over the weekend.

He warned:

Stopping distances can be at least double on wet roads compared to dry conditions, and spray can reduce driver visibility
HGV and bus drivers should drive with extreme caution and be aware you may be asked to park at a suitable position by the police
If you need to travel, please drive to the conditions and allow extra time for your journey
Stay tuned to media outlets for further updates and consult the Traffic Scotland website and social media channels for information relating to affected roads

As for coastal areas, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) said that weather conditions pose a safety risk to visitors and advised "extreme caution" if people are near the shoreline, especially along exposed cliffs, seafronts and piers.

The charity's water safety lead, Michael Avril, urged people to keep a safe distance from the water as conditions "could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea".

CalMac cancelled a number of sailings on Friday and has amended the Saturday timetable for MV Isle of Mull - which runs between the mainland, South Uist and Barra.

Will events be cancelled?

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Figure caption,

Storm Boelo expected to have widespread impact on Scotland - Kirsteen MacDonald has the forecast.

It may be that some events are postponed during stormy conditions. Friday's Scottish Cup tie between Penicuik Athletic and Clyde was among the first to be delayed because of heavy rain.

Western Isles Council said events including church services should be aware of strong winds throughout Sunday and advised they "plan accordingly".

Paisley's popular Halloween festival is due to take place this weekend, which includes a parade, street theatre and outdoor light installations.

Renfrewshire Council said Friday's programme would go ahead as planned, but that an update on Saturday's events would be provided closer to the time.

And a Halloween family fun day at Dean Park Castle and Country Park in Kilmarnock, scheduled for Sunday, has been postponed due to the weather warning.