Rail lines in western and northern Scotland are set to close later as the country braces itself for Storm Boelo, which is expected to sweep in with gusts of up to 80mph.
Forecasters have issued an amber warning for much of Scotland on Saturday evening into Sunday as the storm hits, the day after Storm Austen which brought heavy rain to many areas on Friday.
A Met Office yellow warning of strong winds over the weekend has been upgraded to amber for all of mainland Scotland and islands off its west coast.
A yellow warning starts at midday on Saturday but at 9pm the amber alert comes into force, lasting until 9pm on Sunday, with only Orkney remaining under the yellow warning.
(Press Association Graphics)
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It warns of potential injuries and danger to life from flying debris as well as a chance of damage to buildings, power cuts and travel disruption.
Network Rail Scotland said that services south and west of Kilwinning in North Ayrshire will stop from 9pm on Saturday while further north the Oban and Mallaig lines will close from about 10pm.
On Sunday, the line between Kyle of Lochalsh and Achnashellach in the Highlands will be closed from the start of service, as well as the railway between Wick and Helmsdale.
Trains will also run at reduced speeds across large parts of Scotland as the storm moves through, with speed restrictions starting late on Saturday evening and continuing into the following day.
Craig Gorman, head of operational weather strategy at Network Rail Scotland, said: “We know closing lines and slowing trains will have a significant impact on people’s plans this weekend, and these aren’t decisions we take lightly.
“But when we’re facing weather of this scale, we have to put safety first and make sensible calls before conditions deteriorate.
“A huge amount of work goes on behind the scenes to understand how the weather could affect different parts of the railway.
“We’ll keep a close eye on conditions as Storm Boelo moves across Scotland and adapt our response where we need to, while doing everything we can to keep people moving.”
Speed restrictions will remain in place until the winds ease and lines will remain shut until they can be inspected and are deemed safe to reopen.
ScotRail has advised people to check their journey before travelling and to consider alternative arrangements where possible.
The rail operator also said people with tickets for travel on Saturday or Sunday can travel on any service on Saturday, or use their ticket once routes reopen following the storm, including on Monday.
Scottish ministers have activated the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) to prepare for Storm Boelo.
Forecasters have warned of potential injuries and danger to life from flying debris (Jacob King/PA)
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Social Justice and Housing Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville chaired an SGORR meeting on Friday and said it will continue to “monitor the situation closely over the weekend and provide regular updates to the public”.
The City of Edinburgh Council said it will be closing Princes Street Gardens, Lauriston Castle Grounds, and Saughton Winter Gardens on the evening of Saturday because of the forecast and will reopen them on Monday once it is safe to do so.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) urged the public to “stay vigilant” and not to take unnecessary risks by visiting coastal locations.
RNLI regional water safety lead, Michael Avril, said: “Storm Austen and Storm Boelo are set to bring potentially dangerous conditions so we’re asking the public to stay vigilant and not take unnecessary risks by travelling to coastal locations.
“If you are near to the coast or a waterside location, we urge you stay a safe distance from the water as conditions could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea.
“If you find yourself in trouble in the water, remember to Float to Live: Lie back in the water with your head so far back that your ears are wet, extend your arms and legs and try to relax as best as you can until you get control of your breathing before then calling for help or swimming to safety.
“If you see someone else in danger – do not enter the water yourself as you could also end up in serious difficulty.
“Instead, remember phone, float, throw – phone 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard; tell the struggling person to float; throw them something buoyant, like a life ring.”
The Met Office said: “Very strong westerly winds associated with Storm Boelo are expected, with fairly widespread gusts of 60 to 70mph and gusts to 80mph 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.”
The Transport Scotland Resilience Room and Multi Agency Response Team will monitor conditions and co-ordinate responses across the transport network during the warning period.
Superintendent Andy Barclay, deputy head of road policing for Police Scotland, said: “The amber warning for wind means there is a high risk of disruption on the road network and travel conditions may be hazardous.
Heavy rain is sweeping Scotland on Friday due to Storm Austen (Jordan Pettitt/PA)
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“Our advice is to plan ahead and consider if your journey is really necessary or if it can be delayed until conditions improve.
“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.”
Scotland’s Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn said: “The Met Office has upgraded its warning for Storm Boelo, with disruptive winds and heavy rain expected to impact most of Scotland this weekend.
“While the most severe conditions are expected within the amber warning area in the west of Scotland, a yellow warning remains in force across the whole country and travellers everywhere should be prepared for potential disruption.”
A Met Office yellow warning for rain was in force across much of southern and eastern Scotland on Friday as Storm Austen battered the country.
The Met Office said there was a “small chance” homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to buildings.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency also has 10 flood alerts in place.