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Stormy weather hits most of Scotland

Xinhua, November 13, 2015 Adjust font size:

All schools across the Western Isles and Shetland in northeast Scotland is scheduled to be shut on Friday as Storm Abigail sweeps in with strong winds, local media reported on Thursday.

The fast-moving storm prompted an amber "be prepared" severe weather warning being brought forward by three hours to Thursday evening, and is expected to reach 90 miles (about 145 km) per hour. The alert area also covers Orkney and the west and north coast north from Skye.

"All schools will be closed to pupils tomorrow due to the weather forecast of strong winds and the possibility of lightning strikes," said Shetland Islands Council.

The British Meteorology Office said the rest of Scotland from the Central Belt north covered by a yellow "be aware" warning should prepare for 60 miles to 70 miles per hour winds from the same time, as previously forecast.

The impending storm already caused some train travel halts on Thursday and significant west coast ferry disruption, with many route sailing cancellations including all services to the Western Isles on Friday.

A separate severe weather warning is being issued for heavy rain and potential flooding across south west Scotland from Saturday. Endit