Trains cancelled and flooding on roads as Storm Amy set to wreak havoc in Scotland

Latest updates

Amber alert for Highlands, Moray, Argyll and Bute and Islands
Storm Amy to bring gusts of up to 100mph amid a danger to life
Scotrail confirmed some lines will close from 6pm due to the wind and heavy rain
Power cuts and disruption to travel likely
Difficult driving conditions expected in the north of Scotland

Trains have been cancelled and roads are flooded as heavy rain and winds with gusts of up to 100mph are set to batter parts of Scotland with the arrival of Storm Amy.

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for wind that is set to come into place at 5pm on Friday.

The warning covers much of the Highlands, Orkney and Shetland, parts of Argyll and Bute and Moray, and is in place until 9am on Saturday.

Yellow warnings are also in place for wind on Friday and Saturday, and for rain on Friday for much of the country.

Storm Amy: Met Office amber and yellow weather warnings issued across Scotland. STV News

The Met Office said the “damaging” winds risk causing disruption to travel routes across rail, ferry and air.

On Friday morning, Network Rail said metal debris is blocking the north tunnel at Dundee station.

Northbound services from the station have been cancelled, including journeys arriving from Arbroath.

A signalling fault at Port Glasgow is also disrupting commuters on the Gourock and Wemyss Bay line, with journeys forced to start and end at Langbank.

Meanwhile, on the A96 at Lhanbryde, the road remains closed due to a burst pipe that has flooded the carriageway.

Forecasters are warning of a danger to life from flying debris, large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.

Scotland

Storm Amy to batter Scotland with 100mph winds and heavy rain

An amber alert has been issued, which will bring heavy rain and gusts of up to 100mph within the worst-affected areas in the north-west of the country.

There is a risk of landslides across the country during the warning.

SEPA has issued red flood warnings for Kilbirnie and Glengarnock, Dalry and Kilwinning. Amber flood alerts in Skye and Lochaber, Argyll and Bute, Ayrshire and Arran and Wester Ross, are also in place.

The public has been warned to expect delays to public transport, spray and flooding on roads, as well as potential power cuts and flooding in homes and businesses.

Ahead of the blustery and wet conditions, Scotrail has confirmed the following lines will close from 6pm on Friday due to forecast wind gusts and heavy rain:

Mallaig – Fort William
Fort William – Crianlarich
Inverness – Aberdeen
Inverness – Wick / Thurso
Inverness – Kyle of Lochalsh
Perth – Inverness

No will replacement transport will be made available. Tickets dated for travel on Friday, October 3, can be used on Thursday, October 2, Saturday, October 4, or Sunday, October 5.

On all other routes, speed restrictions will be introduced from 7pm until the end of service to ensure the safety of customers and staff. This may extend journey times and result in some service alterations.

ScotRail believes some disruption to services will extend into Saturday, and possibly Sunday, while Network Rail carries out safety checks for obstructions on the line and damage to any infrastructure.

Chief Superintendent Scott McCarren, head of Road Policing, said: “I would encourage people to drive to the conditions and be aware of increased stopping distances.

“In wet weather, stopping distances will be at least double those required for stopping on dry roads.

“Drivers of vehicles vulnerable to being blown over should plan their route to avoid exposed areas or consider cancelling your journey until conditions improve.”