Travel disruption is expected today as Storm Amy sweeps in from the west, with rail and ferry cancellations and road closures planned to cope with severe weather conditions.
Latest forecasts suggest that winds of up to 95mph and heavy rain will affect parts of the country from this evening, with the potential for widespread disruption to rail services.
An amber weather warning is in place from 17.00 tomorrow until 09.00 on Saturday, and across some areas after Saturday.
Police Scotland is warning of a high degree of disruption and there is also potential for problems with flooding and power supplies.
The Multi-Agency Response Team, based at the Traffic Scotland National Control Centre in South Queensferry, will be operational for the duration of the warning to monitor conditions and help deploy response teams where necessary. Traffic Scotland will also be providing updates on social media, website and radio broadcasts.
Ferry journeys were cancelled ahead of the storm’s arrival and Network Rail’s specialist weather team is closely monitoring the storm’s path and working with ScotRail. Road bridges are also likely to be closed.
The following rail lines will close from 18.00 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.
Customers will not be able to travel on these routes and there will be no replacement transport available.
On all other routes, speed restrictions will be introduced from 19.00 until the end of service, to ensure the safety of customers and staff. This may extend journey times and result in some service alterations.
To give customers flexibility, tickets dated for travel on Friday, 3 October, can be used on Saturday, 4 October, or Sunday, 5 October.
The train operator is anticipating that 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.
Customers are urged to check their journey on the ScotRail website or mobile app before setting off.
ScotRail will continue to provide updates through its website, app, and social media channels as more information becomes available.
Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said: “Safety is always our top priority, and we’re working closely with our colleagues at Network Rail to keep people moving where it’s safe to do so.
“The Met Office Amber warning for high winds during Storm Amy means that some routes will have to close, and speed restrictions will be in place across Scotland’s Railway.
“We know how frustrating disruption can be, but these measures are essential to protect our customers and staff.
“We’d encourage everyone to check their journey before travelling and to keep an eye on our website, app, or social media channels for the latest updates.”
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