Scotland, 5 August (H.S.): Storm Floris continues to cause disruptions across Scotland, with the aftermath still being dealt with after an amber weather alert. Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) reported that around 50,000 homes experienced power outages, and while about 9,000 had been restored by Monday night, many more remained affected. SSEN characterized Floris as the most damaging summer storm in recent memory, particularly impacting areas like the Highlands, Moray, and Aberdeenshire.
Travel challenges have been significant, with Network Rail reporting 119 incidents on train lines, including tree falls onto lines, prompting continued efforts to clear routes. Over 75 tree-related incidents were documented, disrupting train services, particularly as winds reached speeds of up to 90mph in some regions. Checks on lines were to be undertaken on Tuesday morning, although disruptions were expected to persist.
In light of the extensive impacts, the Scottish government convened an emergency meeting to address travel safety, advising that unnecessary journeys should be postponed. Home Affairs Secretary Angela Constance acknowledged the significant number of ongoing power cuts foreseeing a prolonged recovery period despite an improving weather forecast for the rest of the week.
On Tuesday, SSEN announced free food and drink provisions at specific locations, including Dingwall and Huntly, for those still awaiting power restoration. Passengers were encouraged by ScotRail to check on their travel plans before setting out.
Flight and ferry services were suspended on Monday, and major road bridges were closed to high-sided vehicles due to safety concerns. Reports of vehicles overturned in high winds added to the caution advised against travel. Events such as the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and multiple Fringe performances faced cancellations, resulting in significant disruptions to planned activities. The SQA noted delays in the delivery of exam results for pupils on Scotland's islands.
The Met Office advised that the amber warning, which had been in place from the central belt to the Highlands, expired at 23:00 on Monday. While the weather was set to improve, summer storms could complicate recovery efforts due to trees being fully leafed, making them more vulnerable to uprooting. As Storm Floris moves towards Scandinavia, calmer weather is anticipated for Tuesday, providing a much-needed respite for recovery efforts across the region.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
