Dumfries and Galloway braced for 80mph gales as Storm Darragh amber weather warning extended

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Storm Darragh is set to arrive in Dumfries and Galloway earlier than expected.The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for the region, with gale force winds now expected to hit the region as early as 1am.Experts are warning there is the possibility of gusts of up to 80mph, which could cause power cuts, building damage and longer journeys.A yellow warning for wind and rain – and possibly snow – is due to come into force this afternoon.The amber warning covers southern parts of Dumfries and Galloway and is due to run from 1am until 9pm on Saturday, having previously only been expected to last from 3am until 7pm.A Met Office forecaster said: “A period of very strong northerly or northwesterly 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.”And they warned: “There is potential for large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.”All of Dumfries and Galloway is covered by a yellow warning for rain from 3pm today until 12noon tomorrow.There could be as much as 50 to 60 mm of rain over higher ground, and it could “turn wintry” above 300 metres.