The Met Office has issued a red alert for a major storm set to batter many parts of Scotland on Thursday.
It is warning winds will increase on Thursday morning, with severe gales developing. It says “damaging storm force winds” are likely to hit Scotland, with the worst of the conditions expected across central and southern regions.
Central, Tayside and Fife are among the areas being given the highest ‘red’ warning something typically only seen once or twice a year. Forecasters say winds could gust to more than 75mph.
Tayside Police and Fife Constabulary have both issued their own warnings, urging commuters and others to take extra care.
Fife Police say severe delays and disruption are likely, with the peak danger times between 3pm and 6pm.
Drivers are being warned to prepare for the possibility of the Forth and Tay bridges being closed to all traffic.
Fife’s head of road policing, Chief Inspector Davie McCulloch, said: “Travel conditions are forecast to be very difficult on Thursday afternoon and I would urge all drivers to take extra care and only travel if necessary.
“Given that winds are expected to be between 75mph and possibly even up to 90mph, there is a very high risk that both the Forth and Tay road bridges will be forced to close, with a consequent impact of congestion on all main routes such as the A985 as traffic diverts across the Kincardine Bridge.
“Drivers should prepare to be delayed and are advised to ensure they have sufficient fuel for an extended journey, spare clothing and a fully-charged mobile phone to hand.”
Tayside Police is also planning for the likelihood of bridge closures, and wider disruption.
It says Thursday’s strong winds are expected to be accompanied by heavy rain in the Tayside area, and it is warning of localised flooding.
The Met Office also warned that the rain may turn to snow down to lower levels as the evening wears on.Follow updates on The Courier Facebook page at www.facebook.com/thecourieruk