Southwesterly severe gales are likely to develop across the north and west of Scotland later on Thursday and then extend across eastern areas and the Northern Isles into Friday morning. Gusts of 60-70 mph are likely with the possibility of gusts to 80-90 mph in exposed locations across the north and west of the area. Winds will begin to ease and veer more westerly across the Western Isles and the mainland on Friday morning and across the Northern Isles on Friday afternoon.
Lightning associated with frequent showers will be an additional hazard over northern and western areasThe public should be aware of the risk of disruption to transport. In addition, large waves may give rise to local over-topping along some coasts.
This is an update to the alert originally issued on Tuesday to extend the yellow area further south and east, and also to escalate the likelihood of impacts in the risk matrix.
