Weather

Batten down the hatches – Storm Erik is on its way.

The Met Office has warned that most of Scotland, save for a few patches on the East coast, will be hit by ice later this evening, leading to a risk of slippery surfaces and travel problems.

The Met Office has updated its weather warnings as ex-hurricane Ophelia nears landfall in Ireland, and it is expected to reach the west of Scotland later this afternoon.

Scotland could be set to bask in three months of scorching temperatures this spring, according to forecasters.

Road gritting crews are on stand-by across Dumfries and Galloway as the area braces itself following adverse weather warnings issued by the Met Office.

A Stranraer shopping centre was closed this afternoon (Friday) after damage due to high winds.

Rescue agencies have issues a joint warning for people heading to the mountains to ‘think safety first’ and be prepared for weather conditions.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning of high winds and possible snow across Scotland including parts of the south west.

Snow storms amid winds gusting up to 75mph are forecast to batter Scotland from tomorrow until Friday.

Scots travelling to visit friends and family for festive celebrations are being warned to brace themselves as Storm Barbara blasts parts of the country with 90mph winds on Friday and Christmas Eve.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has been in Newton Stewart today to witness the flooding devastation in the town caused by Storm Frank.

Police inspector Stuart McColm has emphasised that there were no injuries and that “no-one was in any danger” during yesterday’s floods.

The clean-up operation in Newton Stewart is well under way today after the worst flood in the town in living memory.