90 mph Storm Henry gusts close schools and disrupt travel

Published 1st Feb 2016

Schools have been closed and transport disrupted across Scotland as Storm Henry sweeps in with gusts of up to 90mph.

The Met Office has issued amber "be prepared'' alerts for wind covering Scotland from 3pm on Monday until Tuesday morning.

Winds of 70-80mph are widely expected, while 90mph is possible in the most exposed areas, especially across the Western Isles and along the west coast.

Gusts of 84mph have already forced the closure of the Forth Road Bridge, and travel on the A82 between Glencoe and Rannoch Moor is restricted after a van and a lorry were blown off the road earlier.

Dozens of schools in the Highlands and Western Isles have been closed, while the roof of King's Park Secondary in Glasgow has been damaged by strong winds.

Some train and ferry services have already been suspended, leading to a potentially difficult evening commute for some.

Henry is the eighth winter storm and comes just days after the UK saw off Storm Gertrude, which brought gusts of more than 100mph in places as well as heavy rain and snow.

Warnings for wind at the lesser yellow "be aware'' level are also in place for the whole of the northern UK and Northern Ireland.

The Humber Bridge was closed to high-sided vehicles and caravans and a speed limit was imposed after a lorry blew over in 49mph winds.

Humberside Police tweeted a photograph of the overturned lorry, which appeared to have come to rest close to the edge of the bridge.

Fire crews were called to attempt to stabilise the lorry using winches. The southbound carriageway is due to remain closed until after the rush-hour as winds are expected to become stronger later.

Yellow alerts have also been issued for rain in northern and central areas of Scotland.

The Met Office said: "Some very strong west to south-westerly winds are expected to develop on the southern and western flanks of this system, affecting much of Scotland.

"Gusts of 70-80mph are expected widely, whilst gusts of 90mph are possible in the most exposed areas, especially across the Western Isles and along the west coast.

"Be prepared for some potentially severe weather, causing transport disruption and difficult driving, some structural damage, dangerous coastal conditions and disruption to power supplies.''

Train operator ScotRail said some of its services will only operate until early afternoon before being suspended until the end of the day.

Scottish Hydro is working on a "red alert'', with engineers on standby in the Western Isles, north-west Highlands, Skye and Argyll.

Staff have already contacted vulnerable customers to see if they will need extra assistance in the event of a power cut.