Scotland braces for Siberia-cold Easter storm

Scotland is set to experience a turbulent Easter weekend, with forecasts predicting hurricane-force winds and significant rainfall. A yellow weather warning, issued for the entire mainland, Western Isles, and Inner Hebrides, will be active for 18 hours from Saturday evening to Sunday midday.

The storm is expected to bring gusts of up to 90mph, potentially causing power outages, travel chaos, and damage to buildings. Coastal areas are warned of large waves and the risk of debris being thrown onto sea fronts and properties.

Adding to the severe weather, temperatures are anticipated to drop as low as minus 7C in rural areas, with frost possible on lower ground. This cold snap will be starkly contrasted with daytime highs of around 15C in the Siberian city of Omsk.

March has already been unusually wet for northern Scotland, with rainfall 36 per cent above average. This upcoming system, which could still be named, brings more than two inches of rain to some western areas, surpassing the average monthly rainfall for April.

Authorities are urging householders to secure outdoor items like bins and garden furniture and to prepare for potential power cuts with torches and batteries. Travelers are advised to plan ahead due to expected disruptions to rail, flight, and ferry services, with mobile phone outages also a possibility.