Passengers are strongly advised against travel as Storm Pia unleashes its force, causing widespread disruption across Scotland. The Met Office’s yellow weather warning for wind, which expired at 15:00, revealed gusts of 70-80mph in northern Scotland, leading to cancellations of train services between Edinburgh and England and significant ferry disruptions.
In Shetland, storm-force winds have forced the closure of all schools, while power cuts affect various rural areas, including parts of South Uist, the Isle of Lewis, and Orkney. A yellow warning for snow and ice is also in effect for Orkney and Shetland until Saturday.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks report over 2,000 customers affected, with power outages in Dumfries and Galloway, including Collin, Terregles, Sanquhar, Carronbridge, Moniaive, Colvend, Kirkcudbright, Gatehouse, and Leswalt.
Network Rail conducts safety inspections, leading to cancellations, and Transpennine Express advises against travel during the storm. Speed restrictions and service suspensions are in place, impacting train routes to and from Edinburgh, as well as the West Highland line, Kyle of Lochalsh line, Far North line, and Inverness-Inverurie services.
Bus services in Orkney are suspended, school bus services in some areas are canceled, and ferry services across the west coast of Scotland face cancellations. Power outages have resulted in pupils at Moffat Academy, Moffat Primary, and St Mungo School being sent home.
The A83 Rest and Be Thankful is closed due to an overturned HGV. Travellers are warned of potential short-notice changes to ScotRail services.
The Met Office spokesman, Stephen Dixon, highlights the extensive wind warning area, with gusts ranging from 45mph to 70-80mph, particularly in the north and north-east of Scotland, including the Northern Isles.
As Storm Pia continues its impact, the forecast includes showers, with additional rain expected on Friday.
