Storm Dave set to bring winds, blizzards and disruption across Scotland

Scotland is preparing for severe weather conditions over the Easter weekend as Storm Dave is expected to bring strong winds, heavy showers and blizzard conditions across parts of the country.

The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings, highlighting the potential for disruption as the storm system moves in. Forecasters have warned that conditions could worsen, with the possibility of the alert being upgraded to amber.

The storm is forecast to develop later on Saturday, continuing into Easter Sunday morning. During this period, very strong winds are expected to affect large parts of Scotland, raising concerns about possible damage and travel disruption.

Gusts are predicted to reach up to 60mph in some areas, while more exposed locations could experience winds of up to 90mph. Coastal regions are likely to face particularly hazardous conditions, with warnings of large waves that could pose a danger to the public.

Rain is expected to move in from the south on Saturday afternoon, but colder air across central and north-west Scotland means this could quickly turn to sleet and snow, particularly over higher ground.

As the evening progresses, snowfall is likely to become heavier in some areas. Combined with strengthening winds, this could lead to blizzard conditions, with blowing and drifting snow significantly reducing visibility across hills and mountainous regions.

North-west Scotland is expected to be among the worst affected areas, where travel conditions could deteriorate rapidly. Roads in higher areas may become difficult or dangerous to use due to accumulating snow and poor visibility.

Into Sunday, unsettled weather is expected to continue. Strong winds are likely to persist, particularly across northern areas such as Orkney and Shetland, where stormy conditions may last for much of the day as the system gradually moves away.

Elsewhere, frequent showers are forecast, especially in western parts of the country. Snow is expected to remain a feature over higher ground, while lower levels could see sleet or hail during heavier bursts of precipitation.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for snow covering several regions, including Perth and Kinross, Stirling, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Na h-Eileanan Siar, Highland and Argyll and Bute. The warning is in place from 3pm on Saturday until 3am on Sunday.

In these areas, snowfall accumulations of between 10 and 20 centimetres are possible. Strong winds could lead to drifting snow, creating additional hazards for those travelling.

A separate yellow warning for wind is also in place across much of Scotland from 6pm on Saturday to 3am on Sunday, reflecting the widespread impact expected from the storm.

Forecasters have indicated that conditions may begin to improve by Easter Monday, with more settled weather expected for many areas. However, winds could strengthen again later in the day, particularly across the Hebrides, where gusts of around 50mph remain possible.

Authorities are urging the public to remain aware of the latest forecasts and to take care, particularly in exposed coastal areas and higher ground where conditions are expected to be most severe.

As Storm Dave approaches, the combination of strong winds, snow and reduced visibility is likely to create challenging conditions across Scotland during the Easter period.