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Amey said inspections of the road linking Greenock and Prestwick found widespread cracking and shifting of the road surface along the seaward side of the motorway, along with a section of seawall that had been washed away.
Dirt and standing water also affect other parts of the route.
Damage on the A78 Skelmorlie (Image: Amey)
Amey said an initial engineering assessment recommended the closure remain until a detailed inspection can be completed.
Further structural and geotechnical evaluations are scheduled for Monday, with conditions on Sunday “too severe” to allow for a full inspection.
A signed diversion is in place. Southbound traffic should leave the A78 at Port Glasgow and follow the A761 through Kilmacolm to Johnstone, then the A737 to Kilbirnie, the B780 and B777, and the A760 to rejoin the A78 at Largs. Northbound traffic should follow the same route in reverse. Road users should allow extra time for their journeys.
Access for residents within the closure will be maintained, and access for emergency vehicles will be maintained throughout, Amey said.
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A spokesman for Amey said: “The unprecedented severe weather caused by Storm Boelo has resulted in serious damage to the A78 at Skelmorlie, with the sea wall breached in places and the road surface lifted and cracked along the banks.
“Our priority is the safety of road users, and the road will remain closed until our engineers have been able to inspect the full extent of the damage and confirm it is safe. We will share a further update as soon as we have a clearer picture of the repairs required and how long they are likely to take.
“We appreciate how disruptive this closure is to the communities of Largs, Skelmorlie and Wemyss Bay, and we are grateful for the patience and understanding of residents and road users for their patience while we carry out an urgent repair.”
