Edinburgh weather: Met Office predicts 70mph gusts and warns of travel disruption as Storm Dennis arrives

Storm Ciara brought rain, wind, sleet and snow at the weekend. Pic: Lisa Ferguson

The Met Office has warned of travel disruption on the roads and railways in and around Edinburgh with gusts of up to 70mph expected as Storm Dennis batters the country.

Yellow 'be aware' weather warnings are in place for rain and wind in the Capital this weekend and on Monday.

Met Office spokesman Oli Claydon said: "With the widespread winds, we can expect transport disruption and high-sided vehicles could face some issues as well, as well as disruption on the train lines.

"Storm Ciara was here last week and, although there may have been disruption from that with debris on the tracks, that's not to mention it won't happen again this weekend if tree roots are uprooted."

Mr Claydon said Storm Dennis is set to arrive on Saturday from 9am with gusts of up to 60mph expected widely across the country.

But from lunchtime on Sunday until lunchtime on Monday the wind will pick up, with gusts of 70mph possible in more exposed areas including the A1.

Earlier on Friday, Traffic Scotland urged motorists to drive with caution as high winds are being experienced on the A1 at East Linton.

And Mr Claydon said up to 40mm (1.5ins) of rain is expected in the Edinburgh area on Saturday but this is more likely on higher ground.

He also warned of the potential risk of some localised flooding from surface water, adding: "England and Wales are set to get higher winds on Saturday but Scotland will more likely get it on Sunday."

Temperatures will stay fairly mild as the storm passes by and brings moister air.

From Tuesday next week the weather will likely remain unsettled but not to the same extent as in recent days.