Rail services in Scotland cancelled as 110mph hurricane force winds disrupt travel
Fierce winds of over 100mph have wreaked havoc across Scotland's rail network, with operator ScotRail suspending all services.
The winds, which reached up to 110mph, have become a serious safety concern. However, rail wasn't the only transport medium affected with the Forth Road Bridge closed to all vehicles overnight after a van was overturned at around 1am. The road was reopened this morning.
Trees and power lines have also fallen victim to gusts causing widespread disruption. The rail lines will now have to be inspected to examine the damage.
A spokesman for ScotRail said:
For safety reasons it will be necessary for Network Rail to inspect rail lines across the network for damage this morning before allowing passengers to travel on routes.
A swathe of ferry services were cancelled and as many as 20 schools were closed in the Highland Council Area. Almost 70,000 are believed to be without power in the Highlands.
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for much of the north of England, meaning there could be winds of between 60 and 70mph. Trouble has been reported on both the M6 and the M74. The severe weather has also caused delays between Berwick-upon-Tweed and Newcastle.
Mick Cash, General Secretary of the RMT Union, said:
It is absolutely right that safety comes first and our members are out there on the tracks in appalling conditions this morning ensuring that the infrastructure has survived the battering overnight.