Updated weather warnings issued for Ayrshire as area braced for impact of Storm Bert

Stephen Bark
·3-min read
-Credit: (Image: DAILY RECORD)
-Credit: (Image: DAILY RECORD)


Yellow weather warnings for snow, rain and wind have been issued as Ayrshire braces itself for the effects of Storm Bert this weekend.

Residents are being warned to prepare for wintery weather on Saturday, November 23 and Sunday November 24.

Forecasters expect “heavy snow” to be followed by “a rapid thaw and subsequent rain” which may cause disruption while winds of up to 70mph are possible on Saturday.

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The warnings cover most of Scotland including East, South and North Ayrshire.

All of Ayrshire is covered by the wind warning which lasts from 5am to 7pm on Saturday but some areas are expected to avoid the worst of the snow and rain with that warning lasting from 4am on Saturday to 9am on Sunday.

In their wind warning, the Met Office said: "A period of strong southeasterly winds is likely for a time on Saturday, with peak gusts of 50-60mph in many parts of the warning area, but 60-70mph in some coastal areas."

Areas including Troon, Irvine, Kilwinning, the Three Towns and the Garnock Valley are not included in the snow and rain warning area but areas including Kilmarnock, the Irvine Valley, Ayr, Maybole, Cumnock, Doon Valley, Largs, the Cumbraes and Arran are included.

Of the snow and rain warning, the Met Office said: "Outbreaks of rain will spread northeastwards on Saturday, preceded by a spell of snow across parts of northern England and Scotland.

"Whilst snow will become increasingly confined to higher elevations with time, there is the chance of a transient period of snow to low levels in some areas, with perhaps as much as 5-10cm accumulating in places before turning back to rain. Temporary snow accumulations of 10-20cm are possible on ground above 150m, with perhaps as much as 20-40cm above 300m.

"In conjunction with strengthening winds, difficult driving conditions are likely, especially over higher level routes, with possibly some interruptions to power supplies. In addition, the rapid thaw of lying snow as milder air arrives, with perhaps an additional 20-40mm of rain in some upland areas during Saturday night, will lead to a greater likelihood of rainfall impacts later in the period."

Drivers are being urged to plan their route and check ahead for any potential delays.

Some roads may be closed due to the conditions and “spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions”.

Businesses and home owners whose properties may be at risk of flooding are being encouraged to “consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit”.

The Met Office has also advised to “be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly” and to stay up to date with the weather forecast in your area.

A separate snow and ice warning was also issued for today (Thursday, November 21) covering the whole of Scotland with 2-5cm of snow expected on ground above 100m.

The warning is in force until tomorrow (Friday, November 22) at 10am.

Full details of the warning as well as tips to stay safe in the snow, rain, icy and windy conditions are available on the Met Office website.

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