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Travel disruption as Storm Henry arrives in Scotland Travel disruption as Storm Henry arrives in Scotland
(about 1 hour later)
Schools have been closed and transport has been disrupted in Scotland as Storm Henry winds reached almost 90mph. Schools have been closed and transport has been disrupted in Scotland as Storm Henry's winds reached almost 90mph.
The Forth Road Bridge is shut to all vehicles after gusts of 84mph were recorded on the crossing. The Forth Road Bridge has reopened to cars. Earlier it was shut to all vehicles after wind speeds of 84mph were recorded on the crossing.
However, motorists have been warned it is expected to close again later.
Dozens of schools have been closed in the Highlands and the Western Isles, where people have been advised not to travel during the height of the storm.Dozens of schools have been closed in the Highlands and the Western Isles, where people have been advised not to travel during the height of the storm.
The Met Office issued an amber "be prepared" alert for high winds covering most of the country from 15:00.The Met Office issued an amber "be prepared" alert for high winds covering most of the country from 15:00.
Forecasters said winds of 70-80mph were expected widely, with 90mph gusts possible in exposed areas, especially in the west.Forecasters said winds of 70-80mph were expected widely, with 90mph gusts possible in exposed areas, especially in the west.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has warned that high winds and large waves could lead to over-topping and flooding of coastal roads. Restrictions have been put in place on bridges across Scotland and a number of train services have been suspended.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar said peak wind speeds were expected on the Western Isles between 15:00 and 17:00 and at around 21:00.
A spokesman advised people not to travel at these times and he warned that the high winds and large waves could lead to over-topping and flooding of coastal roads.
Earlier, the Met Office recorded a gust of 89mph on South Uist.Earlier, the Met Office recorded a gust of 89mph on South Uist.
A total of 22 flood warnings have been issued by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa), which suggest that "flooding is expected" and "immediate action required". Scottish Transport Minister Derek Mackay said the Scottish Government Resilience Room (SGoRR) has been activated and it was closely monitoring events.
Rivers in the Highlands, Tayside, Dumbarton and Renfrew are at risk of flooding later on Monday. "Travellers are advised to take care in difficult conditions and allow extra time for their journeys," he said.
"High winds can also cause disruption to utilities like power and telecoms and key responder organisations across Scotland, including councils, utilities and blue light services, are well used to dealing with severe weather events such as these forecast," he added.
"We have ensured that they have put in place the necessary planning and response arrangements to deal with any impacts as quickly and effectively as possible, nevertheless, people should try to ensure that they are prepared, including checking on the elderly and vulnerable."
A total of 27 flood warnings have been issued by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa), which suggest that "flooding is expected" and "immediate action required".
Pascal Lardet, Sepa's hydrology duty manager said localised flooding was expected to affect low-lying land, roads and isolated properties.
In other updates:In other updates:
It comes just days after Storm Gertrude brought gusts in excess of 100mph as well as heavy rain and snow.It comes just days after Storm Gertrude brought gusts in excess of 100mph as well as heavy rain and snow.
BBC Scotland weather presenter Kirsteen Macdonald said that "in terms of impact", Storm Henry is likely to be worse than its predecessor.BBC Scotland weather presenter Kirsteen Macdonald said that "in terms of impact", Storm Henry is likely to be worse than its predecessor.
She said: "Winds are widely likely to reach 70-80mph by evening and tonight through heavily populated areas in the Central Belt, with perhaps 90mph across the bridges, the Western isles and western coastal areas."She said: "Winds are widely likely to reach 70-80mph by evening and tonight through heavily populated areas in the Central Belt, with perhaps 90mph across the bridges, the Western isles and western coastal areas."
CairnGorm Mountain Ski Centre reported wind gusting to 120mph at the summit of Cairn Gorm on Monday. Last week, during Storm Gertrude, a wind speed of 144mph was recorded at the summit.CairnGorm Mountain Ski Centre reported wind gusting to 120mph at the summit of Cairn Gorm on Monday. Last week, during Storm Gertrude, a wind speed of 144mph was recorded at the summit.
Check out the latest travel news for ScotlandCheck out the latest travel news for Scotland
For the latest on the roads visit the BBC's travel news page and keep up to date with incidents and roadworks on the motorways here.For the latest on the roads visit the BBC's travel news page and keep up to date with incidents and roadworks on the motorways here.
Around the country you can check for updates from:Around the country you can check for updates from:
Alternatively, for regular travel bulletins listen live to BBC Radio Scotland and follow @BBCTravelScot.Alternatively, for regular travel bulletins listen live to BBC Radio Scotland and follow @BBCTravelScot.
In times of severe disruption you can also follow the BBC Scotland severe weather Twitter list of key sources.In times of severe disruption you can also follow the BBC Scotland severe weather Twitter list of key sources.
Below are a number of other traffic information sources.Below are a number of other traffic information sources.
Scotland's Transport Minister Derek Mackay said there was "every likelihood" for travel disruption over the coming days. Earlier on Monday, ScotRail warned passengers that some services would be disrupted.
ScotRail said some services would be suspended.
Affected routes include:Affected routes include:
ScotRail's director of communications, Rob Shorthouse told BBC Radio Scotland that the services will resume once the weather calms. Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne advised passengers to check ahead for disruption across the network.
"The latest advice we have had from our meteorologist colleagues is the weather is really going to continue right through the night," he said.
He added: "Our advice in these situations is always to check before you travel because while the worst of the weather might be in certain parts of the country, the real danger to rail services is debris getting blown on to the lines and that causes last minute cancellations."
Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne also advised passengers to check ahead for disruption across the network.
General operations manager Ross Moran said: "Storm Henry is set to present significant operational challenges.
"As with any adverse weather, we would ask passengers to consider whether their journey is absolutely necessary and to regularly check for route disruptions across the network."
Do you live in areas potentially affected by Storm Henry? How are you making preparations? Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.Do you live in areas potentially affected by Storm Henry? How are you making preparations? Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways:Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways:
Or use the form belowOr use the form below