By Tony O’Reilly-
Drivers have been asked to stay in their vehicles as stormy winds leading to snow saw motorists in Scotland stranded
Nearly 30000 properties were left without power and high winds and snow hit power lines, with network operator Scottish and Southern Energy Network (SSEN) Distribution having reconnected around 8,500 by 4.30pm on Wednesday.
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Yellow wind and rain warnings are in place across much of the UK, with south-east England experiencing particularly severe conditions, as Storm Gerrit grips many parts of the UK particularly Scotland.
As holidaymakers attempt to make their way home, the Met Office has issued warnings of likely delays to road, rail, air, and ferry transport.
The adverse weather conditions have resulted in the cancellation of eighteen domestic British Airways flights, including routes to Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Jersey, Manchester, Barcelona, Berlin, Madrid, and Paris Charles de Gaulle.
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These cancellations are attributed to air traffic control restrictions imposed due to Storm Gerrit.
Train operator LNER has gone a step further, advising customers not to travel on its services from London King’s Cross to the north of England and Scotland.
The severe weather conditions have led to significant delays and the possibility of last-minute alterations or cancellations. LNER has provided stranded customers with the option to book hotels, with reimbursement available.
The disruptions extend beyond the skies and rails. The Port of Dover is experiencing severe delays for ferry passengers due to staff sickness among French border officials, resulting in wait times of up to three hours.
Signal failures and overrunning Christmas engineering works have added to the travel chaos for train passengers, with delays and cancellations affecting services in and around London.
The storm has also impacted ferry services, with Red Funnel warning of cancellations on its Red Jet passenger services between Southampton and Cowes on the Isle of Wight due to strong winds. Hovercraft services between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight are currently suspended.
Road closures and restrictions add to the travel woes. The M48 Severn Bridge in Gloucestershire is closed in both directions due to strong winds, and the A1M is closed northbound between J52 (Catterick, Richmond) and J53 (Scotch Corner) due to flooding from heavy rain.
The storm has brought about other significant incidents, including a tree falling on the line and catching fire near Dumbarton East Station in West Dunbartonshire, closing the line in both directions. Network Rail Scotland has imposed speed restrictions, and travelers are advised to check for cancellations.
The Environment Agency has issued flood warnings in England, with active alerts indicating expected flooding. In Scotland, flooding between Lockerbie and Carlisle has resulted in all lines being blocked. Avanti West Coast has advised passengers not to travel north of Preston on Wednesday.
Motorists are cautioned about the dangers of high winds, with the RAC emphasizing the risks to both high-sided vehicles and car drivers. The RNLI urges caution for those visiting the coast, particularly along exposed cliffs, seafronts, and piers.
Met Office meteorologist Simon Partridge explained that Storm Gerrit was named to warn people returning home after the Christmas holidays. The storm is expected to bring wet and windy weather across the entire UK, with significant snowfall in parts of Scotland.
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