Christmas storm wrecks travel plans for thousands of Scots
The travel plans of thousands have been wrecked by a Christmas storm gusting to 70mph.
Ferry companies have pulled the plug on the final sailings before Christmas Day on some routes because of the risk posed by gale-force winds. Calmac yesterday called off all of today’s crossings between Oban and Castlebay on Barra due to the grim forecast.
And it is thought road, rail and air services could also be disrupted by atrocious conditions on Christmas Eve.
Some communities also face the prospect of power cuts just as they are preparing for the biggest holiday of the year. Calmac said: “Due to adverse weather forecast, all sailings are cancelled on this (Oban to
Castlebay) route. This is in relation to a forecast of strong winds and wave heights.
“We are in the process of contacting all customers who will be affected by this disruption. “Cancelling a service is a decision we do not take lightly because we know it will inconvenience our customers and the communities we serve. “However, the safety of our customers and crew must come first. In this instance, the master of the vessel has judged it is necessary in response to the assessment of adverse weather conditions.” Other routes have been placed on standby for delay and cancellation today.
A Met Office yellow warning is in place from noon today until midnight. It affects most of Scotland, except the southern third of the country.
An area of low pressure passing to the north of
Scotland will bring the chance of strong west or north-west winds to much of Scotland today. Winds will initially increase across the north-west of the country before transferring south and east through the day. Gusts of 50mph to 60mph are likely quite widely, but there is potential for gusts as high as 70mph across Orkney, Caithness, Sutherland and the Moray coast. Some very gusty conditions are also possible to the east of high ground.
The Met office has warned the public to expect delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport.
Some bus and train services will be affected, with some journeys taking longer than normal. Delays are expected for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges while some short-term loss of power and other services can be anticipated. Coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and large waves. Bear Scotland said heavy and persistent rainfall was expected over the west of Scotland over the next 24-hour period, including the area encompassing the Rest And Be Thankful on the A83.
As a result of this, saturation levels on the hillside above the A83 are increasing and the decision has been taken to divert all traffic passing through Glen Croe on to the Old Military Road local diversion route from 3pm yesterday afternoon.
The local diversion route, which will operate under convoy control remained in place throughout last night.
Bear Scotland continues to have a presence on site and its patrols are monitoring conditions closely at the Rest And Be Thankful and Glen Kinglas.
Hillside conditions and the forecast weather informing the re-opening decision for the A83 at the Rest is due to take place this morning.