Power cuts and travel chaos as Storm Barbara sweeps in
Thousands are without electricity after gales with more to come
THOUSANDS of homes were left without power and more than 100 schools closed as Storm Barbara caused widespread disruption across much of Scotland.
The storm tore across the country at 90mph yesterday and an equally-devastating Storm Conor is hard on her heels for Christmas Day.
The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings with an amber “be prepared” wind warning in place for northern and western parts of Scotland.
Power cuts were reported in a number of areas in the north with more than 14,500 homes without electricity.
Two separate “be aware” yellow wind warnings, one covering more northern areas where gusts of 60mph to 70 mph are also in place over the weekend.
In the Highlands more than 100 schools were closed due to the bad weather.
There were also widespread cancellations to some ferry services while revised schedules and cancellations of flights to the islands were also introduced.
CalMac’s west coast timetable was decimated with 22 of the firm’s 26 routes cancelled for the day.
The picture looks equally grim for the rest of the Christmas period.
Operations director Drew Collier said: “There is little sign of let-up over the next few days, however, so the disruption is highly likely to continue right across the weekend and Boxing Day – although each and every sailing will be kept under constant review and we will assess weather windows as and when they present themselves”
ScotRail cancelled all trains on two lines which lay in the path of the storm. There were no ScotRail services between Crianlarich and Oban between 11am and 8pm yesterday. The Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh line was suspended for the same period.
Speed restrictions were imposed on many other routes, including the West Highland Line between Fort William and Mallaig.
A spokesman said: “We are continually reviewing the weather forecasts and re-introducing service where it’s safe to do so.
‘‘ We have been tracking Storm Barbara for a number of days and our contingency plans are in place
Customers should check, and keep checking, their journey via our mobile app and website.”
A spokesman for electricity company SSE said:“We have been tracking Storm Barbara for a number of days and our well established contingency plans are in place. With over 600 frontline and support staff on hand across the festive period we are well prepared to respond quickly to disruption to supplies, where it is safe to do so.
“We are acutely aware of the time of year and the increasing concern this brings and would like to reassure our customers we will be doing all we can to keep disruption to a minimum.
Festive travellers have been dealt another blow with a further amber alert for Storm Conor with the Met Office predicting further travel disruption over the coming days.
The yellow and amber warning states: “There is potential for renewed travel disruption – for example bridge closures and ferry delays – disruption to power supplies, as well as large waves affecting coastal areas.
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist, Dan Harris said: “The wet and windy weather is a result of two deep Atlantic low-pressure systems crossing and passing close to the north-west of the UK, bringing the potential for some disruption to power supplies and travel, and possibly structural damage.”