Transport chaos as Storm Dudley hits

Heavy rain and 80mph winds battered parts of the UK as Storm Dudley struck yesterday. The Met Office issued an amber warning for strong winds covering central Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland and northern England which was expected to last until midnight yesterday.

As of 5pm, Capel Curig in Wales had experienced gusts of up to 81mph, with Emley Moor in Yorkshire seeing 74mph winds, while Drumalbin in South Lanarkshire was hit by 71mph gales.

Social media users shared images and videos of fallen trees, large waves smashing coastal areas, howling winds and rain sweeping through quiet roads and dark and gloomy skies, with some facing delays on public transport.

Met Office forecaster Greg Dewhurst told the PA news agency yesterday: “We’ve seen Storm Dudley move in over the course of today with strong winds and heavy rain across northern parts of the country.

“This is a complete contrast to areas in the south which have been rather mild and calm for the most part, the temperature even reaching 17C in some areas.

“Exposed areas in Scotland, Northern Ireland, parts of Wales and northern England have seen wind speeds largely between 60 and 70mph but the worstaffected areas have reached and even surpassed 80mph this afternoon.”

Mr Dewhurst said conditions were likely to “mellow out” in the early hours of today.

The Environment Agency had one flood warning in place as of yesterday afternoon near the Lake District.

East Midlands Railway (EMR) and London North Eastern Railway (LNER) have warned customers to expect disruption in the coming days.

Avanti West Coast said yesterday that due to damage to the overhead electric wires at Carlisle all lines towards Glasgow and Edinburgh were blocked.

Scotrail wound down almost all services from 4pm amid fears of falling trees and blowing debris.

Ferries in Scotland were also severely disrupted, with 20 of the 29 routes experiencing cancellations.

Historic Scotland closed eight of its sites early yesterday afternoon, including Edinburgh, Stirling and Blackness castles, Glasgow Cathedral, and Melrose Abbey.

Northern Powergrid said teams were poised to respond to any power cuts.

These conditions will be followed tomorrow by Storm Eunice which could be even more damaging, with stronger winds than Dudley, heavy snow and possible blizzard conditions.

Another amber warning has been issued, with the potential for stronger winds, and predictions that gusts could top 90mph in the south-west of England and South Wales.

The Environment Agency has warned of the risk of flooding to coastal areas in southern England tomorrow.

Flood duty manager Katharine Smith said agency teams were making preparations, erecting barriers and clearing screens where flood debris can build up.

The Energy Networks Association offered safety advice as the two storms blow in.

Spokesman Ross Easton said: “It’s really important to stay safe when bad weather hits. If you come across fallen power lines or damage to the electricity network, stay well clear and call 105 for free to report it.

“If there is an immediate risk to life or someone is in danger, dial 999.”

TOWERING SEAS: Huge waves whipped up by Storm Dudley crash against the seafront at Blackpool yesterday.