LARGS, Scotland, Sept. 11 (UPI) -- Hurricane Katia closed in on Scotland with forecasters predicting winds up to 80 mph would whip the British Isles Monday.
The BBC reported the Met Office had issued an alert warning people their Monday morning commute could be disrupted, and to be aware the winds could topple trees and damage structures.
West-central Scotland was expected to experience the strongest gales, with speeds peaking by mid- to late afternoon, the BBC said. But Northern Ireland and parts of northern England were also forecast to get a heavy dose of wind and rain. Two to 4 inches of rain was expected.
"Robust contingency arrangements are in place so people should not panic but we should be prepared," Scottish Transport Minister Keith Brown said.
"Transport Scotland's multi-agency response team has been activated and will be up-and-running before rush hour.
"Extra power and transport staff are being moved in to areas likely to be affected, and utility companies are contacting their priority customers."
