wpa406e4a5.png

Atlantic gale set to bring rain and wind       28/12/12

The Met office has issued a gale warning for the Western Isles.

It said over the Hebrides “south westerly winds will increase to severe gale force with storm force gusts for a time on Friday night and early Saturday morning.

“Seas will also be high particularly in the west with a low risk of overtopping.

“The public are advised that this could lead to some structural damage and also some travel disruption.”

Widespread travel disruptions are likely this weekend due to adverse weather. Southerly winds of 50 mph are forecast to hit the islands at the height of the gale.  Gusts of possibly hurricane speeds may affect Barra and exposed stretches of the Minch overnight into Saturday. Rain and squally wintry showers will also affect the west coast.

Heavy seas means many travellers risk being stranded on the mainland and ferry operator Caledonian Macbrayne warns sailings face delays.

The deepening Atlantic low pressure system has resulted in the cancellation of today’s return Oban to Lochboisdale and Castlebay sailing. The next ferry on this route will not be until the normal timetable on Sunday.

The Stornoway freight ferry MV Muirneag was weather bound this morning as the very high winds would make berthing dangerous for the ship.  

Though her crossing is mostly sheltered by the islands, the MV Finlaggan is on amber alert and likely to face disruptions.

Ships were scurrying for a safe haven last night  and Cal Mac warns many west coast ferries are liable to be disrupted. It says passengers should contact the relevant port office.

The rising wind disrupted some ferries last night including the MV Isle of Lewis from Ullapool as well as the MV Alainn between Eriskay to Barra.