The unrelenting stormy weather has brought widespread travel disruption to Scotland, as the country prepares to ring in the New Year. The aftermath of the massive “bomb cyclone” that ravaged the US over Christmas has left its mark on the UK, causing flooding, strong winds, and icy conditions across the country.
Train services have been severely disrupted, with key routes between Edinburgh and Glasgow, Fife and Inverclyde, and the North Clyde line from Helensburgh affected. Sections of the M9 and M74 motorways have also been closed due to flooding. Network Rail reported significant flooding at Edinburgh Park, where water had “overwhelmed” pumps at Winchburgh.
Meanwhile, the Met Office issued a wind warning for several regions, including Grampian, Highlands, Western Isles, Orkney, and Shetland, from 6 pm on Friday until 3 am on Saturday. An alert for ice was also issued, covering Grampian, Central, Tayside, Fife, Highlands, Western Isles, and Orkney and Shetland, from 9 pm on Friday until 11 am on Saturday.
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa) issued 10 flood alerts and 34 warnings across Scotland. Parts of Pollok Park in Glasgow were submerged after the White Cart Water burst its banks, while the River Nith in Dumfries also overflowed its banks.
Scotland Gathers Forces to Weather the StormFlooding was reported on several major roads, including the A81 near Glengoyne Distillery in Dumgoyne, and flights from Edinburgh Airport were delayed on Friday evening after the River Almond at Gogarburn burst its banks and water encroached on the runway.
Vincent Fitzsimons, flood duty manager at Sepa, advised people to plan ahead for their journeys, especially with Hogmanay celebrations just around the corner. “All those in affected areas should consider steps they need to take to be prepared and stay safe,” he said. “Anyone out walking should also be extra cautious, even around small watercourses.”
Police Scotland Superintendent John Cairns warned against unnecessary travel, saying, “The multi-agency response will be focused on additional flooding from watercourses and rivers making their way to areas such as Whitesands, Newton Stewart, and Langholm.” He also advised that people should not travel unless absolutely necessary, as the local resilience partnership monitors incidents of flooding and concerns over properties.
As the night wears on and Hogmanay celebrations get underway, the people of Scotland will be bracing themselves for the stormy weather to pass. Stay safe, and happy Hogmanay to all.