Storm Hector: 'Danger to life' as 100mph winds smash into UK, weather forecasters warn
Met Office urges caution over potentially fatal risk from large waves and sea debris in coastal areas
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Winds of up to 100mph have battered the UK as Storm Hector brings potentially life-threatening gales to the UK.
The Met Office has warned gusts of up to 70mph could hit lowland areas of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England on Thursday after a prolonged period of fair weather across Britain.
Forecasters said winds had reached the 100mph mark in the “very exposed” Cairngorms in the Scottish Highlands overnight.
Amber and Yellow weather warnings remain in place until 3pm on Thursday, with large waves and debris from the sea presenting a danger to life in coastal areas, the Met Office said.
ScotRail said “chainsaw gangs” and overhead line teams have been deployed across the rail network to remove fallen trees and branches that are causing delays and cancellations to services.
Areas affected include Stirling, Partick, Ayrshire and North Lanarkshire.
Transport minister Humza Yousaf said Western and Northern Isles ferries have also been affected by wind.
“As predicted a fair bit of travel disruption due to high winds as Storm Hector makes his presence felt - particularly on ferries & rail,” he tweeted.
Great Western Road in Glasgow was closed for a time due to a fallen tree while the Erskine Bridge and Clyde Expressway were also affected.
Pollokshaws Road in Glasgow was reduced to one lane due to a dangerous building in the strong winds.
The Forth Road Bridge was closed to double-decker buses and only cars are being allowed to cross the Tay Bridge.
“Scotland and northern England will see that swathe of strong winds move eastwards through the day,” Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern said.
“The wettest weather will be out of the way but there will be some blustery showers following and with the yellow warning in force disruption is possible.
“Further spells of rain will push their way into Scotland through the night before clearer skies open out by the start of Friday.”
Storm Hector is the first storm to take place during the summer months since the UK and Ireland began naming summer storms in 2017.
Although not exceptional, it is unusual for winds to reach 70mph in Britain during June, the Met Office said.
Additional reporting by PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments