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'Weather bomb' batters parts of Britain: live updates 'Weather bomb' batters parts of Britain – as it happened
(8 months later)
4.03pm GMT16:034.03pm GMT16:03
Closing summaryClosing summary
Updated at 4.23pm GMTUpdated at 4.23pm GMT
3.50pm GMT15:503.50pm GMT15:50
While we’re on Ireland, thousands turned out to protest government plans to introduce water charges.While we’re on Ireland, thousands turned out to protest government plans to introduce water charges.
3.44pm GMT15:443.44pm GMT15:44
3.38pm GMT15:383.38pm GMT15:38
Henry McDonald, my colleague in Ireland, has sent this update about the storm’s impact on the Cliffs of Moher, a big tourist destination. Meanwhile two people had a narrow escape in Northern Ireland after nearly being swept away.Henry McDonald, my colleague in Ireland, has sent this update about the storm’s impact on the Cliffs of Moher, a big tourist destination. Meanwhile two people had a narrow escape in Northern Ireland after nearly being swept away.
Tourists and staff have been evacuated from one of Ireland’s most famous natural beauty spots - the Cliffs of Moher in Co.Clare. Management closed the visitor centre after the high winds battering Ireland’s western seaboard started to throw up debris from the shore posing a danger to staff and visitors.Tourists and staff have been evacuated from one of Ireland’s most famous natural beauty spots - the Cliffs of Moher in Co.Clare. Management closed the visitor centre after the high winds battering Ireland’s western seaboard started to throw up debris from the shore posing a danger to staff and visitors.
Several tourists visting the iconic cliffs were injured when they were swept off their feet by the strong winds while a vehicle evacuating staff members was also lifted off the ground.Several tourists visting the iconic cliffs were injured when they were swept off their feet by the strong winds while a vehicle evacuating staff members was also lifted off the ground.
The Cliffs of Moher visitor centre’s director Katherine Webster said: “Winds were extremely dangerous with some airborne rock debris falling near the viewing platforms. There were small stones and even some fist-size debris swept up by the winds. There has been some damage to barriers but we won’t be able to assess that until the storm passes.”The Cliffs of Moher visitor centre’s director Katherine Webster said: “Winds were extremely dangerous with some airborne rock debris falling near the viewing platforms. There were small stones and even some fist-size debris swept up by the winds. There has been some damage to barriers but we won’t be able to assess that until the storm passes.”
“It wasn’t safe for staff or visitors to remain onsite so everyone was evacuated during the morning. Under no circumstances should anyone proceed with a visit to the cliffs under these conditions.”“It wasn’t safe for staff or visitors to remain onsite so everyone was evacuated during the morning. Under no circumstances should anyone proceed with a visit to the cliffs under these conditions.”
Meanwhile along Northern Ireland’s north coast a jogger and dog walker had to be rescued afer being swept into the sea at Portstewart. The pair managed to scramble to safety this afternoon after the National Trust had issued a warning for people to stay away from the tourist resort’s beach.Meanwhile along Northern Ireland’s north coast a jogger and dog walker had to be rescued afer being swept into the sea at Portstewart. The pair managed to scramble to safety this afternoon after the National Trust had issued a warning for people to stay away from the tourist resort’s beach.
Updated at 3.47pm GMTUpdated at 3.47pm GMT
3.22pm GMT15:223.22pm GMT15:22
Power has been restored to 27,000 homes in Scotland, reports the Press Association.Power has been restored to 27,000 homes in Scotland, reports the Press Association.
Thousands of customers are still without power in the Highlands, Shetland and Western Isles as high winds sweep Scotland. Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution (SHEPD) said it has 500 engineers working to restore supplies, although repairs are taking longer due to the nature and complexity of the damage to the network in some areas.Thousands of customers are still without power in the Highlands, Shetland and Western Isles as high winds sweep Scotland. Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution (SHEPD) said it has 500 engineers working to restore supplies, although repairs are taking longer due to the nature and complexity of the damage to the network in some areas.
Earlier the entire Western Isles were left without power, while some customers in Orkney and Skye were also affected. The stormy weather has caused disruption across parts of the UK with power cuts, ferry and train cancellations and difficult driving conditions.Earlier the entire Western Isles were left without power, while some customers in Orkney and Skye were also affected. The stormy weather has caused disruption across parts of the UK with power cuts, ferry and train cancellations and difficult driving conditions.
The Met Office has issued an amber “be prepared” warning for the west coast of Scotland, the Highlands and Islands, Orkney, Shetland and Northern Ireland. A gust of 81mph was recorded in Tiree this morning while South Uist was hit by a 79mph gust and Islay by one at 77mph, according to the Met Office. Winds of around 50mph have been recorded in north-west England and North Wales, where yellow “be aware” warnings are in place.The Met Office has issued an amber “be prepared” warning for the west coast of Scotland, the Highlands and Islands, Orkney, Shetland and Northern Ireland. A gust of 81mph was recorded in Tiree this morning while South Uist was hit by a 79mph gust and Islay by one at 77mph, according to the Met Office. Winds of around 50mph have been recorded in north-west England and North Wales, where yellow “be aware” warnings are in place.
2.57pm GMT14:572.57pm GMT14:57
Tweet of the day? A plea from Network Rail Scot after it found a shed on the line. Makes a change from leaves...Tweet of the day? A plea from Network Rail Scot after it found a shed on the line. Makes a change from leaves...
We have a #shed on the line just east of #Bowling. Team on way to clear to maintain services #scotstorm Please secure things in your gardenWe have a #shed on the line just east of #Bowling. Team on way to clear to maintain services #scotstorm Please secure things in your garden
2.32pm GMT14:322.32pm GMT14:32
Coach services have been hit. The Stagecoach North Scotland twitter feed (@StagecoachNScot) has updates on cancellations.Coach services have been hit. The Stagecoach North Scotland twitter feed (@StagecoachNScot) has updates on cancellations.
H/Land as a result the 1402 from St Margaret's Hope to Holm has been cancelled. Service will run from the Commodore Motel to Kirkwall.H/Land as a result the 1402 from St Margaret's Hope to Holm has been cancelled. Service will run from the Commodore Motel to Kirkwall.
2.17pm GMT14:172.17pm GMT14:17
2.04pm GMT14:042.04pm GMT14:04
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has river and coastal flooding updates. There are flood warnings for Strath Oykel in Caithness and Sutherland and Dumbarton Central in West Central Scotland. Richard Brown, head of hydrology for Sepa, said:The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has river and coastal flooding updates. There are flood warnings for Strath Oykel in Caithness and Sutherland and Dumbarton Central in West Central Scotland. Richard Brown, head of hydrology for Sepa, said:
Exceptionally strong winds and tidal surge in the Atlantic continues to produce unusually high tides and large waves along the north and west coast of Scotland. The greatest risk of coastal flooding is expected today, especially along the coastlines of Caithness, Sutherland, the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland Isles, as strong to gale force winds create very large waves and tidal surges which could result in localised flooding to roads, coastal pathways, causeways and individual properties from spray and wave overtopping. There may also be lesser impacts affecting Argyll and Bute, Firth of Clyde, Clyde estuary and Dumfries and Galloway. The effects of the storm are expected to subside slowly but continue overnight into Thursday and Friday this week with a risk of flooding from wave overtopping and spray, before conditions start to ease substantially over the weekend.Exceptionally strong winds and tidal surge in the Atlantic continues to produce unusually high tides and large waves along the north and west coast of Scotland. The greatest risk of coastal flooding is expected today, especially along the coastlines of Caithness, Sutherland, the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland Isles, as strong to gale force winds create very large waves and tidal surges which could result in localised flooding to roads, coastal pathways, causeways and individual properties from spray and wave overtopping. There may also be lesser impacts affecting Argyll and Bute, Firth of Clyde, Clyde estuary and Dumfries and Galloway. The effects of the storm are expected to subside slowly but continue overnight into Thursday and Friday this week with a risk of flooding from wave overtopping and spray, before conditions start to ease substantially over the weekend.
1.54pm GMT13:541.54pm GMT13:54
More ferry cancellations tomorrow.More ferry cancellations tomorrow.
UPDATE: All sailings between #Mallaig - #SmallIsles are cancelled tomorrow (11/12) due to adverse weather... [1/2]UPDATE: All sailings between #Mallaig - #SmallIsles are cancelled tomorrow (11/12) due to adverse weather... [1/2]
1.52pm GMT13:521.52pm GMT13:52
The Western Isles, where more than 17,000 people are without electricity and where the waves are riding high.The Western Isles, where more than 17,000 people are without electricity and where the waves are riding high.
Weather and waves in the extreme..... The Western Isles. Photo Roddy Read. #weatherbomb pic.twitter.com/A3m55dI8MZWeather and waves in the extreme..... The Western Isles. Photo Roddy Read. #weatherbomb pic.twitter.com/A3m55dI8MZ
1.49pm GMT13:491.49pm GMT13:49
Weatherbomb is no bar to selfies. On a more serious note, the Traveline Scotland Twitter feed (@TravelineScot) is a useful source of news on travel disruption.Weatherbomb is no bar to selfies. On a more serious note, the Traveline Scotland Twitter feed (@TravelineScot) is a useful source of news on travel disruption.
@ArgyllFerries look at us watching the Argyll Ferries passing by, so proud it's currently sailing #windy#waves :) pic.twitter.com/1jc8G6AbOM@ArgyllFerries look at us watching the Argyll Ferries passing by, so proud it's currently sailing #windy#waves :) pic.twitter.com/1jc8G6AbOM
12.46pm GMT12:4612.46pm GMT12:46
Lunchtime summaryLunchtime summary
12.29pm GMT12:2912.29pm GMT12:29
Trawler arrives in port safelyTrawler arrives in port safely
The trawler and its crew of 16 are safe. The O Genita got into difficulty after the vessel’s wheelhouse was hit by a large wave at around 6am. Stromness RNLI and the Shetland Coastguard were dispatched and a helicopter was scrambled. Lightning forced the helicopter to return to land but the Stromness RNLI made it to the scene. The trawler is now in Pierowall bay, Westray in the Orkneys.The trawler and its crew of 16 are safe. The O Genita got into difficulty after the vessel’s wheelhouse was hit by a large wave at around 6am. Stromness RNLI and the Shetland Coastguard were dispatched and a helicopter was scrambled. Lightning forced the helicopter to return to land but the Stromness RNLI made it to the scene. The trawler is now in Pierowall bay, Westray in the Orkneys.
UPDATE: Spanish fishing trawler arrives safe in harbour after being rescued by lifeboat crew.http://t.co/F7n7AzhYMO pic.twitter.com/1fVTWbmaSmUPDATE: Spanish fishing trawler arrives safe in harbour after being rescued by lifeboat crew.http://t.co/F7n7AzhYMO pic.twitter.com/1fVTWbmaSm
Updated at 4.03pm GMTUpdated at 4.03pm GMT
12.05pm GMT12:0512.05pm GMT12:05
More big waves.More big waves.
Pictures: Seaside towns battered by winds as '#weatherbomb' nears http://t.co/Fx2tOHvnok pic.twitter.com/iCpAInulrYPictures: Seaside towns battered by winds as '#weatherbomb' nears http://t.co/Fx2tOHvnok pic.twitter.com/iCpAInulrY
12.03pm GMT12:0312.03pm GMT12:03
Southern England may be enjoying sunny blue skies for the moment, but it won’t last. Leon Brown, meteorologist at the Weather Channel UK, says a secondary area of low pressure tracking in the jet stream from the mid-Atlantic tonight and across central Britain will bring gales to southern England and along the Channel by midnight.Southern England may be enjoying sunny blue skies for the moment, but it won’t last. Leon Brown, meteorologist at the Weather Channel UK, says a secondary area of low pressure tracking in the jet stream from the mid-Atlantic tonight and across central Britain will bring gales to southern England and along the Channel by midnight.
There could be gusts 60 to 70mph along the south coast and over 50mph inland across southern England in the early hours. The system will also bring some heavy rain with 10 to 15mm likely across central and southern England and 25mm for Wales. Snow is likely across northern England with 15 to 20cm over the Pennines, but 5 to 10cm possible at lower levels too from Cumbria to North Yorkshire and Northumberland.There could be gusts 60 to 70mph along the south coast and over 50mph inland across southern England in the early hours. The system will also bring some heavy rain with 10 to 15mm likely across central and southern England and 25mm for Wales. Snow is likely across northern England with 15 to 20cm over the Pennines, but 5 to 10cm possible at lower levels too from Cumbria to North Yorkshire and Northumberland.
11.57am GMT11:5711.57am GMT11:57
Dr Steven Godby, an expert in natural hazards at Nottingham Trent university, has helpfully provided past examples of “weather bombs”.Dr Steven Godby, an expert in natural hazards at Nottingham Trent university, has helpfully provided past examples of “weather bombs”.
Infamous examples of ‘weather bombs’ include the storm that wreaked havoc during the August 1979 Fastnet yacht race, claiming the lives of 15 competitors, and the 1991 “perfect storm” off the north east coast of the US, which was the inspiration for the novel and film that told the story of the sinking of the fishing vessel Andrea Gail.Infamous examples of ‘weather bombs’ include the storm that wreaked havoc during the August 1979 Fastnet yacht race, claiming the lives of 15 competitors, and the 1991 “perfect storm” off the north east coast of the US, which was the inspiration for the novel and film that told the story of the sinking of the fishing vessel Andrea Gail.
11.50am GMT11:5011.50am GMT11:50
It may be sunny in Windsor but it’s stormy in Glencoe - 100mph winds - as the intrepid Channel 4 News’ intrepid Alex Thomson (@alextomo) reports. Normally, Thomson is to be found in war zones.It may be sunny in Windsor but it’s stormy in Glencoe - 100mph winds - as the intrepid Channel 4 News’ intrepid Alex Thomson (@alextomo) reports. Normally, Thomson is to be found in war zones.
A snowing hard now and strong gales in Glencoe - several cms of snow at low levels by Friday https://t.co/xxCGDJvtQqA snowing hard now and strong gales in Glencoe - several cms of snow at low levels by Friday https://t.co/xxCGDJvtQq
Updated at 2.42pm GMTUpdated at 2.42pm GMT
11.43am GMT11:4311.43am GMT11:43
A tinge of smugness?A tinge of smugness?
We can't see any #weatherbomb signs here in Windsor... Very cold and windy though! pic.twitter.com/SMyf8AhGOpWe can't see any #weatherbomb signs here in Windsor... Very cold and windy though! pic.twitter.com/SMyf8AhGOp
11.39am GMT11:3911.39am GMT11:39
Those planning to visit the Iona abbey, one of Scotland’s most sacred and picturesque sites, are out of luck.Those planning to visit the Iona abbey, one of Scotland’s most sacred and picturesque sites, are out of luck.
The boat to Iona is not sailing 10/12 which means the abbey is closed - sorry for any inconvenience caused #hsclosure #weatherbombThe boat to Iona is not sailing 10/12 which means the abbey is closed - sorry for any inconvenience caused #hsclosure #weatherbomb
11.27am GMT11:2711.27am GMT11:27
A digression. My colleague Henry McDonald mentioned the protests planned in Ireland this afternoon on government plans to introduce water charges. This is a huge political issue. It seems to be a step too far for Irish voters who have been battered by a “weather bomb” of austerity since the 2008 economic crisis. In one recent protest, deputy prime minister Joan Burton was stuck for hours as protesters surrounded her car. Wind and rain are unlikely to deter people from turning out this afternoon. RTE News is liveblogging the protests.A digression. My colleague Henry McDonald mentioned the protests planned in Ireland this afternoon on government plans to introduce water charges. This is a huge political issue. It seems to be a step too far for Irish voters who have been battered by a “weather bomb” of austerity since the 2008 economic crisis. In one recent protest, deputy prime minister Joan Burton was stuck for hours as protesters surrounded her car. Wind and rain are unlikely to deter people from turning out this afternoon. RTE News is liveblogging the protests.
11.03am GMT11:0311.03am GMT11:03
The British-registered fishing vessel, which has a Spanish crew, is being escorted by a lifeboat to Westray in Orkney. None of the 16 crew are thought to be injured. In Aberdeenshire about 20 cars were freed after they were stuck in icy conditions at Cairn O’Mount.The British-registered fishing vessel, which has a Spanish crew, is being escorted by a lifeboat to Westray in Orkney. None of the 16 crew are thought to be injured. In Aberdeenshire about 20 cars were freed after they were stuck in icy conditions at Cairn O’Mount.
10.58am GMT10:5810.58am GMT10:58
10.55am GMT10:5510.55am GMT10:55
The Met Office blog is not having any of the “weather bomb hits UK” headlines. It says:The Met Office blog is not having any of the “weather bomb hits UK” headlines. It says:
The track of the low pressure system is well to the north of the UK, on roughly the same latitude as Iceland. We’re feeling its influence remotely. This means we are not getting the very strongest winds associated with this system, but far north-western parts of the UK are seeing winds in the 70-80mph range as forecast. Further south the winds are much less strong – so London, for example, is unlikely to see even gale force gusts and mean wind speeds will be much lower. Another point is that the ‘bomb’ element, the rapid deepening of the low pressure happened on Monday – and its now just like any other powerful Atlantic low. In fact, the weather we’ll experience today is nothing unusual for the time of year.The track of the low pressure system is well to the north of the UK, on roughly the same latitude as Iceland. We’re feeling its influence remotely. This means we are not getting the very strongest winds associated with this system, but far north-western parts of the UK are seeing winds in the 70-80mph range as forecast. Further south the winds are much less strong – so London, for example, is unlikely to see even gale force gusts and mean wind speeds will be much lower. Another point is that the ‘bomb’ element, the rapid deepening of the low pressure happened on Monday – and its now just like any other powerful Atlantic low. In fact, the weather we’ll experience today is nothing unusual for the time of year.
It also offers this definition of weather bomb.It also offers this definition of weather bomb.
A weather bomb is more usually referred to as ‘explosive cyclogenesis’ and is a meteorological term describing the rapid fall in central pressure of a depression (or low pressure) – it has to fall by 24 millibars in 24 hours in our latitudes to meet the criterion.In many ways a ‘bomb’ can be seen as simply a more powerful, more intense version of the kind of Atlantic low pressure systems that normally affect the UK.A weather bomb is more usually referred to as ‘explosive cyclogenesis’ and is a meteorological term describing the rapid fall in central pressure of a depression (or low pressure) – it has to fall by 24 millibars in 24 hours in our latitudes to meet the criterion.In many ways a ‘bomb’ can be seen as simply a more powerful, more intense version of the kind of Atlantic low pressure systems that normally affect the UK.
Updated at 11.06am GMTUpdated at 11.06am GMT
10.41am GMT10:4110.41am GMT10:41
Northern Ireland could suffer disruption to electricity suppliesNorthern Ireland could suffer disruption to electricity supplies
In Northern Ireland the main electricity supply company has warned of possible disruption to supplies across the region once the ‘weather bomb’ reaches the province later, writes Henry McDonald, our Ireland correspondent.In Northern Ireland the main electricity supply company has warned of possible disruption to supplies across the region once the ‘weather bomb’ reaches the province later, writes Henry McDonald, our Ireland correspondent.
Emergency crews from Northern Ireland Electricity are on standby with the local Met Office warning of “dangerous conditions” particularly across counties Derry and Antrim.Emergency crews from Northern Ireland Electricity are on standby with the local Met Office warning of “dangerous conditions” particularly across counties Derry and Antrim.
John Wylie, from the Met Office in Northern Ireland, said: “We’ll be looking at gusts of 50-60mph for most of us, but it’s the north coast that we’re most concerned about and our amber warning is valid for northern coastal fringes, including Rathlin.John Wylie, from the Met Office in Northern Ireland, said: “We’ll be looking at gusts of 50-60mph for most of us, but it’s the north coast that we’re most concerned about and our amber warning is valid for northern coastal fringes, including Rathlin.
“We could see gusts of around 70mph and that’s the sort of wind speeds that can topple a few trees and bring some interruptions to power supplies on a localised basis.“We could see gusts of around 70mph and that’s the sort of wind speeds that can topple a few trees and bring some interruptions to power supplies on a localised basis.
“We normally get three, four or five occasions between about December and March where we would be expecting those sort of wind speeds across the bulk of Northern Ireland. It’s probably just one of those days you need to hold the steering wheel that little bit tighter and keep a wary eye out for any weather obstacles.”“We normally get three, four or five occasions between about December and March where we would be expecting those sort of wind speeds across the bulk of Northern Ireland. It’s probably just one of those days you need to hold the steering wheel that little bit tighter and keep a wary eye out for any weather obstacles.”
Meanwhile in the Irish Republic, the adverse weather could affect thousands of people flocking into Dublin for a mass protest from lunchtime onwards against the introduction of water charges.Meanwhile in the Irish Republic, the adverse weather could affect thousands of people flocking into Dublin for a mass protest from lunchtime onwards against the introduction of water charges.
Organisers are claiming tens of thousands will march through the Irish capital around the time when thunderstorms and high winds hit Ireland later today.Organisers are claiming tens of thousands will march through the Irish capital around the time when thunderstorms and high winds hit Ireland later today.
Across the country the Irish Coast Guard issued an appeal on Wednesday morning for people to stay away from shorelines and piers over the next 48 hours.Across the country the Irish Coast Guard issued an appeal on Wednesday morning for people to stay away from shorelines and piers over the next 48 hours.
Already 800 homes have lost power in Co.Mayo in the west of Ireland while 300 households have no electricity supply in Co.Donegal.Already 800 homes have lost power in Co.Mayo in the west of Ireland while 300 households have no electricity supply in Co.Donegal.
Some ferries from Ireland to Britain have also been disrupted by several hours due to stormy conditons in the Irish Sea.Some ferries from Ireland to Britain have also been disrupted by several hours due to stormy conditons in the Irish Sea.
Updated at 10.42am GMTUpdated at 10.42am GMT
10.22am GMT10:2210.22am GMT10:22
The weather bomb is not affecting all parts of the country. It’s a pic from 2011, but it does illustrate the fact that it’s sunny blue skies down south.The weather bomb is not affecting all parts of the country. It’s a pic from 2011, but it does illustrate the fact that it’s sunny blue skies down south.
#weatherbomb hits UK, massive damage pic.twitter.com/wCcPr8Yfhs#weatherbomb hits UK, massive damage pic.twitter.com/wCcPr8Yfhs
Updated at 10.44am GMTUpdated at 10.44am GMT
10.17am GMT10:1710.17am GMT10:17
Another graphic on the severe weather, this time from Weather Network UK.Another graphic on the severe weather, this time from Weather Network UK.
#Storm force winds and exceptionally high waves through today #UKstorm #weatherbomb http://t.co/FHfScDw3E9 pic.twitter.com/ZFpSWZAkEl#Storm force winds and exceptionally high waves through today #UKstorm #weatherbomb http://t.co/FHfScDw3E9 pic.twitter.com/ZFpSWZAkEl
10.14am GMT10:1410.14am GMT10:14
The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings for wind. Those areas in orange should be “prepared”.The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings for wind. Those areas in orange should be “prepared”.
AMBER severe weather warning for #wind has been issued. Stay #weatheraware at http://t.co/ziqeF98g9I pic.twitter.com/8XwNmb9nMDAMBER severe weather warning for #wind has been issued. Stay #weatheraware at http://t.co/ziqeF98g9I pic.twitter.com/8XwNmb9nMD
10.07am GMT10:0710.07am GMT10:07
BBC Weather expert Peter Gibbs explains the term #weatherbomb. It’s basically a rapid fall in pressure.BBC Weather expert Peter Gibbs explains the term #weatherbomb. It’s basically a rapid fall in pressure.
So what is a #weatherbomb? Peter Gibbs explains: http://t.co/erOnXSkWjL Jo pic.twitter.com/SX6mRvciyxSo what is a #weatherbomb? Peter Gibbs explains: http://t.co/erOnXSkWjL Jo pic.twitter.com/SX6mRvciyx
9.56am GMT09:569.56am GMT09:56
It’s bright sunshine and blue skies in London, but Scotland is bearing the brunt of the “weather bomb”. Gusts of 70mph have been recorded on the Forth and Tay road bridges - which have been closed to high-sided vehicles - while massive waves are hitting the west coast. I’ll (@marktran) be providing updates throughout the day as Scotland faces the storm, which is also expected to hit northern parts of England and Wales. Libby Brooks (@libby_brooks), the Guardian’s Scotland reporter, has just sent this story.It’s bright sunshine and blue skies in London, but Scotland is bearing the brunt of the “weather bomb”. Gusts of 70mph have been recorded on the Forth and Tay road bridges - which have been closed to high-sided vehicles - while massive waves are hitting the west coast. I’ll (@marktran) be providing updates throughout the day as Scotland faces the storm, which is also expected to hit northern parts of England and Wales. Libby Brooks (@libby_brooks), the Guardian’s Scotland reporter, has just sent this story.
Scotland is braced for the most extreme weather event of the year, with more than 17,000 people in the Western Isles left without power this morning as winds of up to 80mph and huge coastal waves batter the country.Scotland is braced for the most extreme weather event of the year, with more than 17,000 people in the Western Isles left without power this morning as winds of up to 80mph and huge coastal waves batter the country.
The ‘weather bomb’, a meteorological process of rapid cyclogenesis, is caused by a deep low pressure system moving between Iceland and Scotland.The ‘weather bomb’, a meteorological process of rapid cyclogenesis, is caused by a deep low pressure system moving between Iceland and Scotland.
Waves of up to 40ft have already been recorded along the west coast, the Shetland coastguard has launched a rescue operation to help a Spanish fishing vessel in difficulties off Orkney, while some 20 vehicles are currently trapped in icy conditions in Aberdeenshire.Waves of up to 40ft have already been recorded along the west coast, the Shetland coastguard has launched a rescue operation to help a Spanish fishing vessel in difficulties off Orkney, while some 20 vehicles are currently trapped in icy conditions in Aberdeenshire.
Many trains and ferry services were cancelled overnight in anticipation of the extreme conditions, and the Forth and Skye road bridges are closed to vehicles this morning with gusts of up to 70mph recorded on the Tay bridge.Many trains and ferry services were cancelled overnight in anticipation of the extreme conditions, and the Forth and Skye road bridges are closed to vehicles this morning with gusts of up to 70mph recorded on the Tay bridge.
In the Western Isles, the worst-hit area of the country, all schools and nurseries will be closed with police advising the public not to travel unless it is absolutely necessary.In the Western Isles, the worst-hit area of the country, all schools and nurseries will be closed with police advising the public not to travel unless it is absolutely necessary.
Fifteen flood warnings and 12 flood alerts have been issued by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa), and the Met Office has upgraded its warning to amber “be prepared” status for the west coast of Scotland, the Highlands and Islands, Orkney, Shetland and Northern Ireland.Fifteen flood warnings and 12 flood alerts have been issued by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa), and the Met Office has upgraded its warning to amber “be prepared” status for the west coast of Scotland, the Highlands and Islands, Orkney, Shetland and Northern Ireland.
High winds are also expected to hit northern parts of England and Wales, with yellow “be aware” warnings in place. Members of the public have taken to social media to warn fellow travellers of disruption, using the hashtag #weatherbomb.High winds are also expected to hit northern parts of England and Wales, with yellow “be aware” warnings in place. Members of the public have taken to social media to warn fellow travellers of disruption, using the hashtag #weatherbomb.
Steve Willington, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “Very strong winds are likely to affect northern and central parts of the UK from early Wednesday and last through until early Thursday as a very deep low pressure system moves slowly eastwards between Scotland and Iceland. A period of severe gales is likely over northern and central Britain, as well as the potential for storm force winds over north-western coastal areas of Scotland.”Steve Willington, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “Very strong winds are likely to affect northern and central parts of the UK from early Wednesday and last through until early Thursday as a very deep low pressure system moves slowly eastwards between Scotland and Iceland. A period of severe gales is likely over northern and central Britain, as well as the potential for storm force winds over north-western coastal areas of Scotland.”
Deputy first minister John Swinney, who met the Scottish government’s resilience committee last night to plan for the bad weather, said: “It’s important to keep this in context, it’s not a surprise that Scotland faces severe winter weather. We face it to a greater or lesser extent every year. This morning we’re wrestling with a number of different issues.”Deputy first minister John Swinney, who met the Scottish government’s resilience committee last night to plan for the bad weather, said: “It’s important to keep this in context, it’s not a surprise that Scotland faces severe winter weather. We face it to a greater or lesser extent every year. This morning we’re wrestling with a number of different issues.”
Speaking on BBC Scotland’s Good Morning Scotland programme, he added: “We’re wrestling with very high wind speeds, which are not that uncommon in the Western Isles for example, but they are still severe and need to be prepared for.”Speaking on BBC Scotland’s Good Morning Scotland programme, he added: “We’re wrestling with very high wind speeds, which are not that uncommon in the Western Isles for example, but they are still severe and need to be prepared for.”
Updated at 9.58am GMTUpdated at 9.58am GMT