Storm Boelo: amber wind warning for most of Scotland as trains cancelled and drivers told to stay home

Scotland is bracing for Storm Boelo, with train lines set to close, ferry sailings cancelled and police urging drivers to think twice before making any journey this weekend.

It is the second named storm to hit the country in two days, following Storm Austen, which brought heavy rain, flooding and power cuts across the UK on Friday.

What the warnings say

A yellow Met Office wind warning covers most of Scotland from midday on Saturday. It is followed by a more serious amber warning from 9pm on Saturday until 9pm on Sunday, covering the whole of the mainland and the Western Isles.

Forecasters expect widespread gusts of 60 to 70mph, rising to 80mph in exposed coastal areas. The strongest winds will hit the west of Scotland first on Saturday evening, including Glasgow and the Clyde coast, before spreading east overnight and through Sunday. Heavy rain and frequent showers are also expected.

The Met Office says flying debris could cause injuries and danger to life. Power cuts and loss of mobile phone signal are likely, and there could be damage to trees and buildings and closures of bridges.

A 24-hour amber warning is not unprecedented, but it is unusual for one to cover such a wide area for so long. The forecast prompted a meeting of the Scottish Government's resilience room on Friday.

Trains and ferries

ScotRail has confirmed several routes will close:

• Glasgow Central to Ayr: closed between Kilwinning and Ayr from 9pm on Saturday
• Glasgow Queen Street to Oban and Mallaig: closed between Fort William and Mallaig and between Crianlarich and Oban from about 10pm on Saturday
• Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh: closed between Kyle and Achnashellach from the start of service on Sunday
• Inverness to Wick and Thurso: closed between Helmsdale and Wick/Thurso from the start of service on Sunday

Network Rail says trains will run at reduced speeds across large parts of the network from Saturday night into Sunday, and passengers should expect significant disruption and longer journeys.

CalMac cancelled a number of sailings on Friday and has changed Saturday's timetable for the MV Isle of Mull, which serves South Uist and Barra.

Advice for drivers

Superintendent Andy Barclay, deputy head of road policing at Police Scotland, urged drivers to consider whether their journey was really necessary. He warned that stopping distances can be at least double on wet roads, and that HGV and bus drivers may be asked by police to park up in a safe place. Anyone who must travel should allow extra time and check Traffic Scotland for updates.

The RNLI has urged people to stay well back from the shoreline, cliffs, seafronts and piers, warning that waves could knock people off their feet or wash them into the sea.

Events affected

Friday's Scottish Cup tie between Penicuik Athletic and Clyde was postponed because of the weather. Renfrewshire Council said Paisley's Halloween festival went ahead on Friday, with an update on Saturday's programme to follow. A Halloween family fun day at Dean Castle Country Park in Kilmarnock on Sunday has been postponed.

The Western Isles Council has advised churches and other groups holding events on Sunday to plan for strong winds. Winds are expected to ease gradually from the west during Sunday.