Hurricane Bawbag
Friedhelm crossing the British Isles on 8 December | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 7 December 2011 |
| Dissipated | 13 December 2011 |
| Extratropical cyclone | |
| Highest winds | 188 km/h (117 mph) at Cairngorm Summit |
| Highest gusts | 265 km/h (165 mph) at Cairngorm Summit |
| Lowest pressure | 956 hPa (mbar); 28.23 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 1 |
| Areas affected | British Isles, Scandinavia |
Hurricane Bawbag, also known as Cyclone Friedhelm was an intense extratropical cyclone which brought hurricane-force winds to Scotland at the beginning of December 2011. The storm also brought prolonged gales and rough seas to the rest of the British Isles, as well as parts of Scandinavia. On 8 December, winds reached up to 165 mph (266 km/h) at elevated areas, with sustained wind speeds of up to 80 mph (130 km/h) reported across populous areas. The winds uprooted trees and resulted in the closure of many roads, bridges, schools and businesses. Overall, the storm was the worst to affect Scotland in 10 years, though a stronger storm occurred less than a month afterwards, on 3 January 2012. Although the follow-up storm was more intense, the winter of 2011–12 is usually remembered for Bawbag in Scotland.