Warning over unseasonably high wind

23/05/2011

By Paul McGurk

High winds of up to 80mph could be set to batter Scotland, prompting warnings for drivers to take extra care on the roads.

"Exceptionally windy weather" has been forecast by the Met Office, particularly in central and southern Scotland. The possible impact of high winds was also raised at the Scottish Government's emergency committee, while Holyrood's transport minister Keith Brown said motorists should listen out for travel updates on the radio.

He said: "Motorists are advised to plan their journeys on Monday in view of the possibility of severe winds affecting the country, particularly south and central Scotland, around the rush hour period and throughout the day. They should consult the Traffic Scotland website www.trafficscotland.org for further driver information and any disruption caused and listen to local radio bulletins before setting out on any journey.

"Variable message signs are alerting motorists to the risk of high winds, and the operating companies are at a heightened state of readiness to deal with any issues that might arise across the trunk road network as a result of the high winds."

MeteoGroup forecaster Billy Payne said that conditions are due to become unseasonably windy in Scotland.