Storm Pia: Snow and ice alert as 80mph winds cause chaos across Scotland

Scotland is being battered by 80mph winds as Storm Pia hits the country closing schools and causing travel chaos and power cuts days before Christmas.

A yellow weather warning for wind came into effect across the whole of the country at midnight on Thursday and was due to end at 9pm, however the alert was cut short.

Around 850 homes were left without power as a result of high winds, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks said.

An overturned lorry is blocking Rest and Be Thankful in both directions and the A81 from Strathblane to the junction for the A875 is closed due to a fallen overhead line.

The Met Office alert is issued for all parts of the UK above Birmingham but Scotland is set to face the most powerful gusts.

On Thursday morning, further warnings for snow and ice were issued coming into force at 3pm for Shetland and 9pm on Friday for much of the north of the country.

Met Office

Shetland Council has announced all schools in the region will be closed on Thursday as the north and north east of the country faces the strongest winds.

Top wind speeds across Scotland

• 8am – Baltasound, Shetland 81mph
• 7am – Fair Isle, Shetland 73mph
• 7am – Wick, Caithness 70mph
• 7am – Lerwick, Shetland 70mph

An SSEN Distribution spokesperson said that, as of 10am on Thursday, it is working to restore supplies to just under 850 customers.

“Work to do this is progressing as quickly and safely as possible. We continue to monitor the forecast closely while these winds move across the country,” a spokesperson said.

The storm prompted ScotRail to cancel all of its trains between Aberdeen and Inverness and Glasgow Queen Street and Mallaig.

ScotRail confirmed on Thursday night that the majority on lines that were closed had begun to reopen.

The network confirmed the West Highland Line reopned on Thursday night, including Oban and Mallaig, Inverness – Kyle of Lochalsh, and Inverness – Inverurie.

The Inverness–Wick line remains closed north of Dingwall.

The Met Office said the storm could also affect bus, air and ferry networks.

Traffic Scotland confirmed that the Tay Road bridge is closed to double decker buses and a 30mph speed restriction has been put in place for the duration of the warning.

Ferry operator CalMac confirmed there would be weather disruption across the network on Thursday, with around 30 services confirmed to be liable to disruption or cancellation at short notice.

You can check the full list of services affected here.

“Some short-term loss of power and other services” is expected as the warning gets under way.

The Met Office said: “Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.

“People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.

“If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves. Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea.

“Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

“Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly when a weather warning is issued. The Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.”

Train services between Glasgow Central and Edinburgh via Shotts were delayed after a trampoline blew onto the line.

A Network Rail Scotland spokesperson said: “We’re responding to an obstruction on the line in the West Calder area. Services between Glasgow Central and Edinburgh via Shotts will be subject to delay and alteration whilst our teams inspect the line.

“We’ll provide a further update as soon as we have more information.”

Network Rail via Supplied

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