Storm Darragh: Amber Wind Warning Transport Scotland

An amber warning for high winds in the south west of Scotland has been issued by the Met Office this weekend, with Storm Darragh set to bring disruption to the transport network.

The amber warning for wind covers parts of Dumfries & Galloway and South Ayrshire from 0300 until 2100 on Saturday 7th December. A wider yellow warning for wind is in place across the south of Scotland from 1500 on Friday 6th December through to 0600 on Sunday morning. A yellow warning for rain also covers the south of Scotland and parts of the east coast from 1500 on Friday until Saturday afternoon.

Road, rail, air and ferry services are all likely to be affected by the conditions, with longer journey times and cancellations possible, as well as potential restrictions on bridges. The strong winds could also lead to fallen trees, damage to buildings and power cuts.

The Transport Scotland Resilience Room and the Multi Agency Response Team will both be activated to monitor conditions. Traffic Scotland will be providing updates on social media, as well as their website and radio broadcasts, from the National Traffic Control Centre.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said:

“The Met Office is warning us to expect another period of disruption this weekend, with Storm Darragh set to bring strong winds to the south of Scotland. The south west in particular will likely see the worst of the conditions.

“High winds will bring challenges for the trunk road network, so travellers should make sure they plan their journey in advance, drive to the conditions and follow Police Scotland travel advice.

“The Traffic Scotland website offers people the latest information on the trunk roads and the Traffic Scotland X page is updated regularly. You can also find details of ‘wind based’ closures for the bridges on the trunk road network, allowing you to check if your planned route is available.

“Other modes of transport are also likely to be affected, so if you are planning to travel by train, ferry or air, please check with your operator to make sure your service is still running.”

Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, head of Road Policing, said:

“Drivers of vehicles vulnerable to being blown over should plan their route to avoid exposed areas, or consider delaying your journey until conditions improve.

“Plan ahead and keep updated by checking the Met Office and Traffic Scotland websites and social media.”