Storm Boelo is set to hit Scotland on Saturday evening with winds gusting up to 80mph, triggering widespread travel disruption and weather alerts across the country.
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning covering most of Scotland from midday Saturday, with a more severe amber alert in effect from 21:00 Saturday to 21:00 Sunday across the mainland and Western Isles. The amber warning is unusual because of its 24-hour duration across such a wide geographical area, according to forecasters. Wind gusts of 72mph have already been recorded on South Uist, 68mph on Tiree and 58mph on Islay before the main storm arrives.
The Met Office warned the storm could result in injury, flying debris, power cuts and damage to trees and buildings. Forecasters said a good chance exists of power cuts and impacts on phone coverage, with damage to trees, buildings and potential bridge closures. Power cuts have already been reported in Glasgow and Edinburgh areas to SP Energy Networks.
Network Rail confirmed multiple line closures beginning at 21:00 Saturday. The Glasgow Central to Ayr line will close between Kilwinning and Ayr, with a half-hourly shuttle service operating to Kilwinning. Services between Kilmarnock and Stranraer and between Ayr and Girvan will be suspended. The Glasgow Queen Street to Oban and Mallaig line will close between Fort William and Mallaig and between Crianlarich and Oban from about 22:00 Saturday. Speed restrictions will be introduced across much of Scotland's railways.
All 30 CalMac ferry services on Scotland's west coast have been cancelled for the rest of the weekend, with some routes potentially facing disruption until Monday. NorthLink Ferries advised of possible disruption from Saturday to Thursday.
Police Scotland urged drivers to consider whether journeys were "really necessary" over the weekend, warning that stopping distances can double on wet roads and spray can reduce visibility. HGV and bus drivers should exercise extreme caution and be prepared to park if directed by police.
Several events have been cancelled or postponed. Paisley's Halloween festival, scheduled for Saturday, was cancelled after Friday's events proceeded as planned. The Enchanted Forest event at Pitlochry on Saturday was cancelled, with Sunday's event possibly cancelled. A Halloween family fun day in Kilmarnock scheduled for Sunday has been postponed.
Edinburgh City Council closed Princes Street Gardens, Lauriston Castle grounds and Saughton Winter Gardens for Saturday evening and Sunday. Historic Environment Scotland closed numerous properties including Edinburgh and Stirling castles, and landmarks such as Skara Brae in Orkney.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution advised extreme caution near shorelines, especially along exposed cliffs, seafronts and piers, warning that conditions could knock people off their feet or wash them into the sea.