The ‘weather bomb’ that hit British shores on Tuesday night is causing disruption across north-western UK.
17,000 homes are without electricity across the Western Isles of Scotland and ferries, trains, and flights have been delayed or cancelled as rain, hail, and gale-force winds of up to 80 mph have battered coastal areas.
The Western Isles Council has said that all schools would be closed, along with many other facilities, until the storm passes.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has more than 25 flood alerts in place, many in coastal areas, with residents of Strath Oykel, Innerpeffray to Bridge of Earn, and Dumbarton Central facing flood warnings that require immediate action.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) have urged the public to “respect the weather” and stay safe in the storm, saying:
“With stormy weather forecast for the days ahead, we urge everyone to take care and avoid places where big waves could sweep you off your feet.”
The lifeboat service at Stromness rescued a Spanish fishing vessel in the rough seas and strong winds north-west of Scotland overnight as the storm moved in.
