Storm Caroline to hit Scotland with heavy rain and powerful winds, UK

Storm Caroline is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to parts of northern and western Scotland on Thursday morning, December 7, 2017. Snow is expected across much of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and parts of northern and western England. 

The UK Met Office has issued an Amber National Severe Weather Warning for wind for the far north of Scotland with gusts quite widely expected of around 112 – 129 km/h (70 – 80 mph) and 145 km/h (90 mph) in more exposed areas.

Meanwhile, a Yellow warning has also been issued for wind covering parts of central and southern Scotland and the extreme north of Northern Ireland with wind gusts of 96 – 112 km/h (60 – 70 mph) expected quite widely across the warning area and up to 129 km/h (80 mph) in the more exposed north-facing coastal locations.

The warnings area which extends from 08:00 local time Thursday until midnight includes most of the Western Isles, the Northern Isles and the majority of mainland Scotland from Oban to Aberdeen.

Snow showers will turn increasingly frequent and heavy through the day.

Met Office warns that strong winds may affect Scotland’s road, rail, air and ferry services, and that longer journey times and cancellation of services are possible.

Within the amber warning area flying debris could be an issue and some damage to buildings is possible, such as tiles blowing off roofs. As with any period of strong winds, there may be some short-term loss of power and effects on other services. In addition, it is likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves.

A Yellow National Severe Weather Warning for snow and ice is in effect for Friday, December 8. The warning covers much of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and parts of northern and western England.

Between 2 and 5 cm (0.8 – 2 inches) of snow is likely fairly widely, with 10 – 20 cm (4 – 8 inches) in places mainly northern Scotland, Northern Ireland, north Wales and perhaps the northwest Midlands. 

Icy surfaces are also likely to be an additional hazard, especially overnight and during the morning. Strong northwest winds may cause blizzard conditions at times across northern Scotland. The heaviest and most frequent of the snow showers will progressively become confined to northeast Scotland during Saturday, December 9.

Featured image credit: UK Met Office