Amber alert for Storm Dave as Scotland to take brunt of wind and snow
Storm Dave Brings Amber Alert and Snow Warnings Across UK
Storm Dave is set to unleash severe weather conditions across the UK, prompting the issuance of amber wind alerts. The warning covers several regions, with southern Scotland, northern England, and Wales facing the strongest gusts. Concurrently, snowfall is forecasted to affect the west Highlands, Argyll, and the Western Isles starting at 14:00 on Saturday.
Wind Warnings Target Key Regions
Scotland is under multiple wind alerts, with power firm SSEN predicting gusts reaching approximately 80mph in the Western Isles and Skye. On Sunday, high winds will also impact Orkney and Shetland, though the intensity is expected to decrease by midday. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (Rospa) warned that both public transport and road travel may face disruptions, urging travelers to plan ahead and exercise caution.
“A rapidly deepening area of low pressure, Storm Dave, is likely to move north-eastwards close to or across north-western parts of the UK during Saturday evening and night, clearing to the North Sea by Sunday,” a Met Office spokesperson stated.
Snowfall Projections and Impact Zones
A yellow weather warning for heavy snow and blizzards is active from 14:00 Saturday to 03:00 Sunday. Snowfall is anticipated to spread from the south in the afternoon, intensifying later into the evening. Drifting snow and blizzard conditions may occur in exposed areas due to strengthening winds. Accumulating snow on roads is projected to be most significant in regions above 656ft (200m), with up to 12in (30cm) possible, while low-lying areas could see between 2in (5cm) and 4in (10cm).
“Peak gusts of 50-60 mph will be possible fairly widely, with 60-70 mph in more exposed locations,” the Met Office added. “Large waves may lead to some dangerous conditions around windward coasts.”
Travel Advisories and Service Adjustments
Police Scotland advised drivers to delay journeys if feasible, citing potential hazards like extended stopping distances and reduced visibility due to spray. Ch Supt Scott McCarren emphasized that HGV and bus drivers must exercise extreme caution, with the possibility of being directed to park at safe locations. Transport operators have also adjusted schedules: ScotRail urged passengers to monitor social media and the journey check website, while CalMac canceled several ferry services. Highlands and Islands Airports noted that flight operations could be affected by the adverse weather.
Orkney and Shetland remain under a wind warning until 15:00 on Sunday, with peak gusts of 60-70mph and a “slight chance” of 85mph in exposed areas. By late Sunday, the most intense weather is expected to subside, though some conditions may linger until midday. The overall weather warnings are set to expire by that time.
Regional Variations and Timing
High winds will initially strike Northern Ireland from 14:00, followed by southern Scotland and northern Wales/England from 17:00. Amber zone alerts for stronger winds begin at 19:00, while the rest of Scotland faces strong winds from 18:00. Snow is also forecast for central and north-western Scotland’s hills during the weekend, adding to the challenges for travelers.