Storm Ali swamps Scotland’s roads

Areas of Scotland have been hit by severe wind conditions, due to the arrival of Storm Ali in the UK. This has caused traffic chaos, as well as power outages across the country. The storm has also disrupted rail and ferry travel. Winds of 91.7 MPH were recorded across the Tay Road bridge, close to some of Scotland’s heaviest traffic.

A “major incident” was affirmed by officials in Dumfries and Galloway, emergency services are giving their best efforts to keep local residents safe after “multiple incidents” have occurred. Schools have requested that parents do not allow their children to walk home alone following reports of flying debris in the area.

Some 16,000 are without electricity in the South West of Scotland. An amber warning was given by the Met Office for hazardous conditions over the course of Wednesday 19th of September.

After some branches fell onto tracks, a freight train was derailed causing delays and disruptions for further travel. A HGV was overturned by gusts while travelling the M74, demonstrating further concerns for hauliers in Scotland.

Various roads including the A74 have faced partial blocks due to a fallen tree in the area. A cruise ship carrying 500 passengers near Greenock has been stranded as the cruise’s mooring lines were damaged.
Officials have also set flood alerts due to the strong gusts increasing the size of waves in various parts of west Scotland as well as some coastal areas.

Stein Connelly of Transport Scotland spoke with BBC reporters regarding the hazardous conditions: "We've been doing a lot of planning on this and have been working closely with the Met Office.

"We have called in our operating companies to look at what resources they have available. They have specialised resources - people trained with chainsaws and pumps to clear out drains and make sure there is no flooding.

"The amber warning covers from Dundee to the south. It covers the morning and evening peak, with the disruption expected to increase as the day goes on.

"Our advice is, as always, plan your journey, be prepared and drive to the conditions."

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