January 21, 2024, 16:30 GMT
Updated 1 hour ago
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The latest weather forecast for Scotland as Storm Isha brings strong winds.
ScotRail has suspended all train services from 7pm on Sunday until after rush hour on Monday as Storm Isha hits the UK.
There is a warning of life-threatening gusts of up to 128 km/h.
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for strong winds across most of the country – particularly exposed coastal areas in the north.
It runs from Sunday 6:00 p.m. to Monday 6:00 a.m.
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Coastal areas in the north of Scotland could be worst affected
Phil Campbell, ScotRail customer operations director, said: “The strong winds and persistent rain hitting most parts of the country mean it will not be safe for our customers and our staff and all ScotRail train services will be canceled today Discontinued in the evening from 7 p.m..”
“We understand the impact the suspension of train services will have on customers, but our top priority is always to ensure the safety of staff and passengers.”
He added: “Our colleagues at Network Rail Scotland will be working diligently throughout the night and into the morning to carry out safety checks and assess what repairs are required to reopen the railway.”
“However, customers will not be able to travel early on Monday morning as trains cannot run until the infrastructure is made safe.”
ScotRail said customers should check its website, mobile app and social media feeds for updates before traveling on Monday.
Reduced visibility
Disruption on the roads is also expected and motorists are being urged to consider whether they need to drive.
Ashleigh Robson, head of transport resilience at Transport Scotland, said: “Surface water reduces visibility when driving, high-sided vehicles are at risk and the strength of the wind could also pose a danger to pedestrians.”
“Police Scotland advises to expect a high risk of disruption across Scotland.”
Image source: Getty Images
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Road disruption is expected due to heavy rain
Isha is the ninth named storm to hit the UK since September.
The Met Office said it was “relatively rare” for the whole country to be affected by storm warnings.
There is a high risk of power outages that could affect mobile signal in affected areas, while roads and bridges are likely to be closed.
Met Office forecaster Ellie Glaisyer said: “It is a very widespread storm that will affect everyone. Heavy rain will affect everyone, these strong winds will affect everyone. That’s the main difference from previous storms we’ve seen.”
She added: “Anyone driving on Sunday evening and into Monday should be aware of water on the roads and lots of spray, some branches and trees may have fallen, causing the roads to be blocked.”
“There are also some large waves that could cause disruption to ferry services, and the strong winds could cause delays to train and air travel.”
The latest winter storm follows a week of disruption caused by snow across the north and north-east of Scotland.
More than 200 Highland Council schools have closed, including more than 60 in Aberdeenshire and almost 20 in Moray.
All schools on the Shetland Islands have been closed since Thursday.