Storm Abigail set to hit Orkney

The first storm to be named as part of the Met Office’s Name Our Storms project, Storm Abigail, is set to bring severe gales to Orkney today and tomorrow.

The weather forecaster issued a National Severe Weather Warning, which was later updated to a ‘be prepared’ amber warning for the far north and northwest of Scotland.

Severe southwesterly winds with gusts of 70-80mph, are predicted to buffet Orkney and Shetland from tonight onwards, with the weather set to gradually ease on tomorrow.

The MET office has also said that an additional hazard will be the lightning associated with the squally showers circulating the storm system.