Farewell summer? Storm Francis lashes the country
● Disruption to roads included mattress on M8
Flooding and gales swept in by Storm Francis have disrupted drivers and rail and ferry passengers across Scotland.
Gusts of 51mph were recorded in Islay as a severe weather warning remained in place until 6am today.
A fallen tree blocked the Aberdeen-inverness rail line between Dyce and Inverurie.
Earlier, flooding closed the Edinburgh-aberdeen line in Fife from 1-3pm.
At least nine Scotrail trains were delayed or cancelled by water on the tracks at Burntisland.
The operator said passengers were able to travel on services via Dunfermline while we waited for the water level to recede.
In Glasgow, a fallen tree caused a power failure in overhead lines in the east end which was expected to disrupt cross-city services through Queen Street low level station until 4pm.
Network Rail tweeted: “We’ve located and removed a tree branch that was resting on the overhead lines between High Street and Bellgrove.”
S cot Rail said it disrupted services from around 1:45pm until around 3pm.
Passengers could travel on services from Glasgow Central low level instead.
AS cot Rail spokesperson said :“We’ re sorry to customers who’ve been delayed today as a result of the high winds and heavy rain brought on by Storm Francis. Anyone delayed by 30 minutes or more can claim money back through our Delay Re pay Guarantee on our website or mobile app.”
Calmac’s west coast ferries were severely affected by the storm, with sailings cancelled on routes such as to Arran, Cum brae, Gig ha, Islay,Kilcreggan, Rum, South Uist and Gourock-dunoon.
On the roads, a tree disrupted traffic on the A82 two miles north of Tyndrum.
A mattress was removed from the M8 west of Glasgow city centre by police and road patrols.
The Tay Road Bridge, along with the For th Road Bridge – now a bus corridor – were closed to double decker buses.
A fallen tree narrowly avoided hitting a house in Lenzie.
The Met Office yellow severe weather warning for heavy rain covers the Central Belt, south of Scotland, Fife and the east coast as far north as Aberdeenshire.
A Met Office spokesperson said: “Storm Francis will bring another spell of very wet and windy weather during Tuesday and early Wednesday.
“Total rainfall ac cu mu lations are expected to reach 20-40 mm widely with as much as 60-90mm for parts of Northern Ireland and southern and eastern Scotland, particularly over high ground.
“Strong east to north-easterly winds are also expected to develop, with gusts of 50mph affecting exposed coasts and hills.”
“We’re sorry to customers who’ve been delayed today as a result of the high winds and heavy rain brought on by Storm Francis”
SCOTRAIL