STORM Ashley has caused travel chaos across Scotland after numerous flights in and out of the country were axed.

The first named storm of the season hurtled across the Atlantic from Canada, leaving travel mayhem in its wake.

Storm Asley has caused travel chaos across Scotland

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Storm Asley has caused travel chaos across Scotland
The Met Office has issued a number of weather warnings

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The Met Office has issued a number of weather warnings
A number of flights to and from Glasgow Airport have been cancelled

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A number of flights to and from Glasgow Airport have been cancelledCredit: Les Gallagher
Winds of up to 80mph are set the blast the country

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Winds of up to 80mph are set the blast the countryCredit: Alamy
Rain is also set to fall this week

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Rain is also set to fall this week

The storm, described by experts as an “explosive weather bomb”, wreaked havoc across the country.

It led to the Met Office issuing a severe amber warning for 80mph winds today, which kicked in at 9am and is set to last until midnight.

Areas affected by the amber warning include the Highlands and Eilean Siar and Strathclyde.

These areas could see power outages and disruptions to the road network.

A yellow warning for wind is also in place for the rest of the country between 3am and midnight.

And now a number of flights arriving and departing from Glasgow Airport have been cancelled as a result of the storm hitting the UK.

Aer Lingus axed all of its flights between Glasgow, Dublin and Belfast today, leaving hundreds of passengers stuck at the airport.

Four flights from Glasgow to Dublin were grounded as well as two flights from Glasgow to Belfast.

Six flights into Glasgow Airport were also cancelled – two from Belfast and four from Dublin.

Loganair also opted to cancel a number of flights due to the adverse weather conditions.

Storm Ashley ‘intensifying rapidly’ as it barrels towards UK bringing 80mph winds, huge waves & floods, warns Met Office

Two outbound flights were affected – one from Glasgow to Barra at 10.40am today and another from Glasgow to Tiree at 1.45pm.

Another two inbound flights from Barra and Tiree to Glasgow Airport were also affected.

Dublin Airport warned passengers about the cancellations with a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

A spokesperson wrote: “Storm Ashley is having an impact on flight operations throughout Ireland and the UK today.

“Some airlines have cancelled a small number of flights in and out of Dublin Airport, while others are subject to delays. Winds are forecast to remain strong throughout.”

Police have warned Scots to be extra vigilant during the storm and to avoid unnecessary travel.

HGV and bus drivers are also advised to drive with “extreme caution” and may be asked by police to pull over at a suitable position.

Police Scotland’s tips for road users

Here are some of Police Scotland’s top tips for staying safe on the roads during Storm Ashley:

  • 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 improveIf 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 plannerFollow your local authority for the latest updates in your area via Facebook, X or their website

Vehicle motorists should plan their routes to avoid exposed areas and consider cancelling their journeys altogether.

While cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians must consider the risk of being blown over or into the path of other road users.

Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, Police Scotland’s Head of Road Policing, said: “The amber warning for high winds means that there is a strong likelihood of disruption on the road network and as such, motorists are advised to plan ahead and avoid unnecessary travel where possible.

“Make sure your vehicle has sufficient fuel and is completely roadworthy, with tyre pressure and tread meeting legal requirements.

“Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged in the event you need to call for assistance and if it is likely you may be within your vehicle for long periods of time, take additional clothing and water with you.

“Please do not ignore any road signage advising of changes to speed or closures to routes. These are in place for your safety and the safety of other road users and listen out for media broadcasts about the weather and how it may be impacting travel.

“Further information of the weather and road closures can be found by visiting the Met Office, Ready Scotland and Traffic Scotland websites and social media accounts.”

Read more on the Scottish Sun

Weather experts say Storm Ashley has undergone ‘explosive cyclogenesis’ where the storm’s central pressure has dropped by at least 24 millibars in 24 hours.

The storm is set to wreak havoc in Scotland with people in the worst affected areas being warned there is a likely danger to life and damage to buildings.

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