Severe weather warning for Scotland

08 December 2011

Residents in Scotland and northern parts of England have been warned to expect disruption after the police and the Met Office warned that severe gales were on the way.

Ministers have urged local authorities to close schools in west, central and south southern Scotland as a result of the anticipated windy conditions.

Motorists have also been advised to be extra cautious on the roads, and they should ensure they have breakdown cover in place before setting off on their journeys.

Heavy snow, rain and wind is expected to arrive, with the police warning that some major bridges could closed.

High wind warnings have been put in place on the Skye Bridge, Forth Road Bridge, Clackmannanshire Bridge and Erskine Bridge, while on Wednesday high-sided vehicles were banned from using the Tay Road Bridge.

The severe weather has already resulted in some crashes, with a lorry and a car colliding on the A75 in Barskeoch, near Newton Stewart in Dumfries and Galloway.

Copyright © Press Association 2011