Power cuts, delays and claims: What should I do if I'm affected by Storm Eowyn?

Storm Eowyn has wreaked havoc across Scotland – causing severe travel disruption, power cuts and damage to infrastructure.

The storm has brought the most intense weather in Scotland’s recent history, with wind speeds of 100mph.

STV News explains what you should do if you’ve been affected by the adverse weather.

Power cuts

If you lose electricity due to a storm, compensation varies depending on the storm’s category. Storm Eowyn will likely be classed as a Category 2 event.

People can call 105 for help during an unplanned power cut, which will connect you with the electricity network operator.

If the storm is Category 2 and you are without power for 48 hours, initial compensation would be £80, with an additional £40 for every six hours without power, up to a maximum of £2,000.

For gas cuts, consumers might be entitled to compensation if the supply is cut off for more than 24 hours. They would receive £60 after the first 24 hours and another £60 for each following 24-hour period.

The gas network operator should contact consumers directly. Still, no compensation will be given if more than 30,000 homes were affected, the consumer caused the cut-off, or the operator took reasonable steps to prevent it.

If your gas was cut off, contact your gas network operator to find out how many homes were affected and if reasonable steps were taken to prevent it.

SSE say customers who have had no power for more than 12 hours are entitled to £30 per person for every day without power, to cover the cost of food and drink. People should keep hold of receipts and claim costs back at www.ssen.co.uk/stormclaim.

Public transport cancellations

All trains were cancelled in advance of the storm, but ScotRail has confirmed that tickets dated January 24 will be valid for travel until January 28.

Travellers who would prefer a refund due to a service cancellation can request one on the Scotrail refunds page on their website, with all administration charges waived.

Other train services may have different refund processes, so check their terms and conditions.

For bus passengers who experienced delays, some bus companies may not issue refunds or compensation for severe weather disruption.

Complaints about bus services should be raised directly with the bus company. Their claims process and codes of practice should be found on their websites.

Ferry companies are unlikely to offer compensation due to adverse weather, as running such services could be dangerous. However, refreshments should be provided if the ferry is delayed for over 90 minutes.

Flight delays

The Civil Aviation Authority says airlines have a duty of care to look after passengers experiencing lengthy delays.

If your flight is significantly delayed, the airline is responsible for looking after you. They should provide meals and accommodation if necessary.

In case of cancellation, the airline must offer you a refund or alternative travel arrangements.

Airlines should proactively provide passengers with information about their rights when flights are disrupted.

Compensation may not be payable if an airline can prove the delay or cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances and this may include extreme weather which affects the safe operation of the flight.

Insurance claims

Traffic Scotland advises people to avoid driving no matter the warning level, adding that travel should be avoided unless absolutely essential when amber and red warnings are in place.

Driving during a weather warning does not automatically invalidate your insurance, but making a claim may be more difficult.

If your insurer can prove negligence (i.e driving on a road when advised not to) they could refuse your claim.

The Met Office says that when it issues a red weather warning, people should avoid traveling at all.

Buildings insurance policies usually cover financial loss caused by storm damage.

People should talk to their insurer first, so they have the chance to put things right. The insurance company has to respond within eight weeks.

If you think your insurer has made a mistake or treated you unfairly, the next step is to contact the Financial Ombudsman Service. The exact details of how they will ask the business to put things right will depend on the nature of the complaint, and how you lost out.

What should I do after the storm passes?

The British Red Cross offers the following advice for people leaving home once the red weather warning has expired:

Don’t walk too close to walls, buildings, and trees , as they could be weakened 
If you feel safe and can, check on vulnerable neighbours or family members
If you want to report a fallen tree, contact your local council. Find your local council website.
If a fallen tree or hazard is an immediate danger to life, please call 999