Ex-hurricane Ophelia, one of the most potent storms to hit Scotland and Ireland in the last 20 years, has made landfall today.
The ‘potentially life-threatening storm’ may bring 80-100mph gusts of wind and heavy rainfall, warns the Met Office, as meteorologists issued an ‘amber’ – ‘be prepared’ – alert.
Ex-Hurricane #Ophelia is continuing northeastwards over the next 24 hours. Very strong winds likely for many. Here's the latest track… pic.twitter.com/dzf0pI4uNb
— Met Office (@metoffice) October 16, 2017
Forecasters urge to be on the lookout for flying debris, as well as sweeping waves in the coastal areas.
In the central belt of Scotland, including the Lothians, Edinburgh, Fife and Tayside, gusts of wind are predicted to reach 70mph, and an ‘amber’ warning will remain in place from 00:05 and 15:00 on Monday, October 16.
Meteorologists warn that the dregs of the storm, along with heavy winds and rain, may continue until Tuesday morning, affecting the early commute. Citizens are therefore advised to leave plenty of time for their morning travel.
For other parts of Scotland, including Strathclyde, Dumfries and Galloway, South Ayrshire and Argyll and Bute, the Met Office has extended the ‘amber’ warnings until 23:00 on Monday.
An #amber weather warning for Ex-Hurricane #Ophelia has been issued, but what does that mean? Stay #weatheraware https://t.co/EFVGlpF0N1 pic.twitter.com/dpFKpp5XD6
— Met Office (@metoffice) October 16, 2017
In southern Ireland, transportation lines have already been disrupted, with numerous flights being grounded and ferries cancelled. Thousands of people in the south and west of the country have also been left without power, as the storm continues its route east.
Hi there. I'm Irina, a student/staff member at University of Stirling, studying English and Journalism.
