Government Warning About Wintry Weather

Scotland's Deputy First Minister has warned that severe winter weather could cause "significant disruption'' as he urged people to be on the lookout for travel and safety advice.

John Swinney said that while plans have been put in place to deal with the conditions, members of the public should consider the weather before leaving home.

Severe gales are expected to batter parts of Scotland, northern England, Wales and Northern Ireland for the next two days - with the Met Office advising people in the west coast of Scotland and the Highlands and Islands region to "be prepared'' for bad weather.

The rapid cyclogenesis - known colloquially as a ''weather bomb'' - is a deep low pressure system moving slowly eastwards between Scotland and Iceland.

Steve Willington, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: "Very strong winds are likely to affect northern and central parts of the UK from early Wednesday and last through until early Thursday as a very deep low pressure system moves slowly eastwards between Scotland and Iceland.

"A period of severe gales is likely over northern and central Britain as well as the potential for storm force winds over north-western coastal areas of Scotland.''

Both Mr Swinney and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will take part in a meeting of the Scottish Government's resilience team, while the Multi Agency Response Team - which includes the Met Office and Transport Scotland - is also monitoring the situation.

Mr Swinney said: "Having visited Transport Scotland's National Control Centre this morning to receive an update on preparations, I am confident we are well-placed to cope.

"However, weather events can cause significant disruption and it's important that the public take heed of the latest travel and safety advice this week.''

He stressed the response to "major transport incidents'' Is now more co-ordinated, with the experts working together under the same roof.

The Deputy First Minister said: "We use state-of-the-art monitoring to prepare for all conditions.

"Weather stations throughout the trunk road network relay information to our operating companies on temperature, wind speeds and rainfall.

"Before heading out, I would urge the public to consider the conditions.

"They should listen to radio reports, visit the Traffic Scotland website or Twitter feed and take note of the latest police advice.''

Scottish transport minister Derek Mackay said: "We know from past experience that winds of this severity can disrupt travel, leading to cancelled ferries, train services and sometimes even closing bridges or leading to restrictions.

"The gale-force winds will also make high-sided vehicles particularly prone to being blown over and we can expect trees to be at risk also.

"Decisions, by the authorities, to alter services are never taken lightly but safety is paramount.

"A great deal of work has already been undertaken to make sure that Scotland is prepared, however we also need the assistance of the public when it comes to taking on board travel advice, taking appropriate action and driving to the conditions.''

David Dickson, Network Rail route managing director for Scotland, said safety is always its main consideration and it has cancelled a "limited number of services until the worst of the storms have passed''.

He said: "We will be monitoring conditions on the ground closely throughout the night and into the morning, and will have teams in place across the country to react quickly to any damage caused by the weather.

"We are working closely with the train operators and other industry partners to do everything we can to reduce disruption while also operating a safe network for passengers.''

Richard Brown, of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, warned of the risk of flooding in the north-west of Scotland, with the impact of the weather likely to be felt along the entire west coast of the country.

He said: "The potential for strong to gale-force winds, very large waves and tidal surges could result in localised flooding to roads, coastal pathways, causeways and individual properties from spray and wave overtopping.

"The Scottish Flood Forecasting Service predicts that flooding is expected to continue throughout the week, with Wednesday forecast to experience the largest waves and greatest impacts due to the strength of tidal surges.

"There is a risk of significant flood impacts from wave overtopping and spray during this time, before large waves begin to lessen on Thursday.

"We would strongly encourage people to remain vigilant and be mindful of the conditions in their locality and when travelling, especially along more exposed coastal areas.''

Scottish Health Secretary Shona Robison has also assured MSPs that Scotland's NHS boards have "robust'' plans in place for the winter period.

She stressed that "every year NHS boards and their partners develop robust plans for winter'', adding that more than £18 million had been invested this year to improve emergency care and to deal with bed blocking.

The money will provide increased nursing staff, help fund measures aimed at reducing unnecessary hospital admissions and will also mean there will be additional consultants in hospitals at weekends.

Ms Robison also said the advice service NHS24 had also "received additional resources to answer calls over the festive period''.

She made the comments after Scottish Liberal Democrat health spokesman Jim Hume highlighted the pressures the NHS was facing over the winter period.

He said: "This year more than 100,000 patients waited for more than four hours in A&E departments.

"In the 12 weeks to the end of September nearly 2,000 patients had to wait over eight hours - that's more than twice as many as last year.

"Winter is knocking at the door which will only exacerbate the situation.''

He continued: "Six years ago this government said it would reduce pressure on emergency departments by improving primary services for minor ailments, but the numbers attending A&E are higher than ever at 198 an hour.

"The system is in crisis after seven years of this government.''

Ms Robison admitted that winter "always brings challenges'' but said NHS staff "do a fantastic job to overcome those challenges''.