Storm Amy live updates: Trees down, roads closed, trains cancelled and residents without power as wind and rain batters north
Storm Amy live updates: Trees down, roads closed, trains cancelled and residents without power as wind and rain batters north.
An amber warning is in effect throughout the Highlands, as well as parts of northern Aberdeenshire and Moray.
Storm Amy has now impacted the north, bringing strong gusts and torrential rain to the Highlands, Moray, and Grampian. The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning till 9 p.m. on Saturday.
The storm has caused extensive travel disruption, including road closures, rail disruptions, and aeroplane cancellations, which are anticipated to persist through Sunday.
Wind gusts of up to 95 mph are now expected in some regions.
- Amber wind warning: 12am – 9pm on Saturday
- Yellow wind warning: 12am – 9am on Sunday
Keep up with the latest updates from the storm on our live blog.
High winds blow over roadworks on Aberdeen’s Union Street
04/10 10:30
Winds gusting up to 45 mph have blown away roadworks on Aberdeen’s Union Street, causing traffic havoc in the city centre.
Strong winds associated with Storm Amy toppled barriers and signage, increasing safety concerns for pedestrians and cars alike.
The strong winds were part of a turbulent night across the region, with wind speeds in Aberdeen and portions of Aberdeenshire exceeding 50 mph in exposed spots.
The terrible weather have prompted warnings for cars and pedestrians to exercise caution, especially around unsecured structures.
No injuries have been reported.
Power cuts continue in north and north-east
04/10 10:00
Storm Amy caused widespread disruption in Scotland, with hundreds of power outages reported across the country.
Around 50 power outages have occurred in and around Inverness.
Wick, Elgin, and parts of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, such as Aboyne and Stonehaven, are also affected.
Communities in Stornoway, the surrounding Hebrides, and Shetland have also been impacted. More power outages are predicted as the storm lingers in the Highlands and North East.
If you are suffering a power outage in your neighbourhood, contact SSEN immediately at 105.
Road Closures across the Highlands
04/10 09:30
Police Scotland advises motorists to exercise caution as various road closures remain in place following Storm Amy’s devastating effect. Heavy rain, strong gusts, and debris have rendered numerous major routes unusable, and closures are presently disrupting transport throughout the region. This morning’s update stated that the following routes are currently closed in both directions: A82:
Between Fort William and Inverness A86: From Spean Bridge to the intersection with the A889 at Laggan. A887 connects Invermoriston to the Bunloyne junction. A87: Between Invergarry and the Bunloyne junction.
Police Scotland thanked the public for their understanding and cooperation during the disruption.
Rail disruption continues
04/10 08:30
Travellers in Scotland are being advised to expect continued rail delays into Saturday as Storm Amy leaves a trail of destruction along major lines.
ScotRail said considerable delays and cancellations are still possible following a night of severe weather that delivered strong winds, heavy rain, and downed trees throughout most of the country.
Several important highways are still closed, including
- Mallaig – Fort William
- Fort William – Crianlarich
- Crianlarich – Oban
- Inverness – Aberdeen
- Inverness – Wick / Thurso
- Inverness – Kyle of Lochalsh
- Perth – Inverness
Network Rail engineers will assess impacted lines during daylight hours, but work can only be completed when it is safe to do so.
“We apologise to customers affected by the disruption caused by Storm Amy,” said ScotRail’s Service Delivery Director, Mark Ilderton.
“Our teams are working flat out to restore services.” Within the first two hours of the storm, the network received more than 60 reports of issues such as flooding, debris, and overhead line damage.
“Safety has to be the priority,” said Ross Moran, Route Director at Network Rail Scotland. “We appreciate the frustration for those forced to make alternative arrangements.”
Passengers are encouraged to verify their trips before departing using the ScotRail website, app, or JourneyCheck.
ScotRail will also provide updates via its social media outlets.
Strong Winds Bring Down B&M Sign in Inverness
03/10 22:00
At Inverness’ Inshes Retail Park, a B&M sign appeared to have come off its hinges.
A social media snapshot shows how Storm Amy’s fierce winds ripped the big sign down.
The Fire Service can be seen in the snap, and the location is blocked off by tape.
There is no proof yet that the sign has been reinstated.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has been contacted for comment.
Tree down!
03/10 20:45
A massive tree has fallen across the A9 northbound towards Inverness.
The route remains usable, but drivers should exercise extreme caution.
With several trees already down, anyone travelling tonight should be aware of potential hazards.
If you come across a fallen tree, contact your local council or dial 101 to request police help.
‘I’ve never seen winds like this’ as bus breaks down amid storm
03/10 20:10
Michelle Henderson, an Inverness writer for the Press & Journal, had a crazy ride on the CityLink tonight.
Her 17:40 voyage from Inverness to Edinburgh was cut short owing to uncontrolled winds.
She further explained: “The wind forced open the door on the bus, breaking the mechanism and leaving it unable to leave the latch closed.”
The bus was forced to pull over, leaving Michelle and the other passengers stranded near Etteridge.
While they waited, the Inverness to Glasgow bus stopped nearby owing to another incident, though Michelle is unsure what the problem was.
“I’ve never seen winds like this on the A9, the double decker was swaying due to the strong winds,” according to Michelle.
“I will say, the driver was excellent in keeping everyone informed and making sure everyone was okay.”
Storm Amy Causing Widespread Power Cuts
03/10 20:00
Power outages are affecting many locations in the Highlands and northeast of Scotland.
Notable areas hit include Ellon in Aberdeenshire, substantial portions of Fort William, and the outskirts of Inverness.
More power outages are predicted as the storm lingers in the Highlands and North East.
If you are suffering a power outage in your neighbourhood, contact SSEN immediately at 105.
Train struck by tree as Storm Amy lashes
03/10 19:30
At around 5 p.m., a tree struck a train going from Inverurie to Aberdeen near Kintore.
However, the event is being classified as minor, and no injuries have been reported.
A Network Rail spokeswoman stated, “We received a report just before 5 p.m. that a train travelling between Inverurie and Aberdeen collided with a tree near Kintore.”
“It was able to continue its voyage to Aberdeen, and our crews were on standby throughout to assist if needed.
“We’re monitoring conditions closely as Storm Amy moves in and will continue to respond quickly to any issues to keep passengers and staff safe.”
Passengers are encouraged to plan ahead of time and confirm their journeys with their rail operators before travelling this weekend.
Read more on Straightwinfortoday.com
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.