Police Travel Advice for Storm Darragh

Potentially damaging winds are associated with Storm Darragh.

A period of very strong northerly or north westerly winds is likely to develop during Saturday as Storm Darragh moves from west to east. Gusts of 70 to 80 mph are likely around exposed coasts and headlands, where some very large waves are likely, whilst gusts of 60 to 70 mph are likely inland. The strongest winds will ease from the west through the afternoon Rain associated with Storm Darragh may lead to some transport disruption from late Friday through Saturday morning and Snow is expected to bring difficult driving conditions and disruption to higher routes.
A Yellow warning for wind remains in effect until 6:00am on Sunday morning.

General advice for road users

• Plan ahead and avoid unnecessary travel
• All road users should consider if they really need to travel during adverse weather
• Consider delaying travel until conditions improve
• If you are travelling on the roads, prepare yourself and your vehicle for the conditions
• Ensure your mobile phone is charged and plan your journey, including an alternative route
• Have sufficient fuel, warm clothing, food and water in case you’re delayed
• Do not ignore road closure signs – they are for your safety
• Congestion caused by vehicles may restrict emergency services and recovery vehicles from providing essential assistance 
• Listen to media broadcasts, including radio, for updates Traffic Scotland radio player | Traffic Scotland or visit Traffic Scotland | Trunk road traffic updates & route planner
• Follow your local authority for the latest updates in your area via Facebook, Twitter/X or their website · Other information can be found on the Met Office, Ready Scot. For public transport information visit www.travelinescotland.
• Follow @policescotland and @trafficscotland on Twitter/X for up-to-date travel information.

Wind

• HGV and bus drivers should drive with extreme caution and be aware you may be asked to park at a suitable position by the police.
• Drivers of vehicles vulnerable to being blown over should plan their route to avoid exposed areas or consider cancelling your journey until conditions improve.
• Cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians should consider the risk of being blown over or into the path of other road users.

Rain

• Drive to the conditions. Spray can reduce driver visibility.
• Be aware of increased stopping distances. In wet weather, stopping distances will be at least double those required for stopping on dry roads.
• Driving through areas of flooding can result in catastrophic damage to your vehicle. It may also result in the road becoming blocked with recovery required and may delay emergency services and road maintenance workers.

Snow

• Keep well back from the road user in front. Stopping distances can be up to 10x greater than on dry roads.
• Check your windscreen washer levels and effectiveness of wiper blades.
• Check your vehicle’s lights. You must ensure your lights are clean and number plates are clearly visible.
• Ensure your windows are completely clear before driving. Failure to do so can result in a fine.