UK Weather Warning: 140mph Winds Cause Travel Chaos Across Scotland
All train lines in Scotland have been closed until further notice as a precaution as winds of over 100mph batter the area.
Severe weather warnings have been issued across most of Scotland as gale force winds hit the area, resulting in huge travel disruption and road and bridge closures.
As the winds of up to 142mph hit Scotland, trains have been badly affected by falling debris and tress on the line. All trains have now been cancelled for safety reasons. Virgin Trains has also said no trains will be running north of Carlisle until further notice due to adverse weather conditions:
A ScotRail spokesperson said: "Due to ongoing safety concerns, Network Rail has closed the rail network until further notice. All trains making their way to nearest station so passengers can safely disembark. No trains are running, please do not attempt to travel.
A Network Rail Scotland spokesperson added: "Due to the huge amount of debris [such as] trampolines, hay bales, trees on the tracks the entire network in Scotland in being closed down. We will need to make sure all lines are clear and not damaged before we can reintroduce trains."
Glasgow Central station was also evacuated after debris smashed the glass on the roof of the main building. No one was injured during the incident and the station is expected to be closed until this afternoon.
Several roads and bridges have also been closed as a result of the strong winds. The Kessock Bridge at Inverness, Erskine Bridge on the River Clyde, Dornoch Bridge and Skye bridge are no longer accessible. Traffic Scotland has advised the public to avoid travelling on the A90, A94, A9, A85 and A984 due to falling trees and debris.
Police Scotland have also advised drivers to avoid travelling on the roads in the south, west, central belt and into South Perthshire. They are also advising high-sided vehicle drivers in Edinburgh, the Lothians, Scottish Borders, Fife and Forth Valley to "refrain from travelling in the current severe weather".
"Any vans and trucks currently driving in these areas are asked to pull over and wait for conditions to settle" they said.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has also issued flood warnings across the country as the strong winds push sea levels over the coast.
Marc Becker, hydrology duty manager for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) said:
"Heavy rain will cross the country early on Thursday 5 December accompanied by gale or severe gale force westerly winds. The gale force winds will become north-westerly during Thursday evening before easing on Friday.
"A combination of high tides and storm surge will result in a risk of flooding in some coastal communities along the Firth of Forth, Fife, East Lothian and Scottish Borders coast during Thursday afternoon.
"There may also be wave and spray overtopping across North West Scotland, the Western Isles, Orkney and along the west coast (as far south as Oban) during the early part of Thursday morning which could affect coastal properties and roads.
"SEPA will continue to monitor the situation and would encourage the public to check the SEPA website for active flood alerts and warnings or call SEPA's Floodline on 0845 988 1188, for the most up to date information on their area."
The strong winds have also left 20,000 homes in the Highlands, Orkney and Western Isles without power.
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