Scotland is grappling with widespread disruption as Storm Éowyn sweeps across the country, bringing fierce winds, torrential rain, and a rare red weather warning. The storm, which has extended its red alert to include much of Dumfries and Galloway, is expected to cause significant disruption until the warning lifts later in the day.
Red Alert Extended, Amber Warning in Place Elsewhere
The red weather warning, indicating a “danger to life,” initially covered the central belt, including Glasgow, Edinburgh, and several islands. It has since been expanded to cover more areas in the southwest. An amber warning for wind remains in place for the rest of the country, with gusts expected to exceed 90mph in some regions.
The Met Office warns of dangerous conditions, including flying debris, damage to buildings, and travel disruption. Police Scotland has issued a stark advisory, urging residents to stay indoors and avoid all travel in affected areas.
In a statement, Dumfries and Galloway Police described conditions as “treacherous,” with a high volume of weather-related incidents reported.
Nationwide Disruption
The storm has brought Scotland to a near standstill, with significant impacts on transport, schools, and power supplies:
- Transport: All ScotRail services have been suspended, CalMac ferries cancelled, and flights grounded at major airports, including Edinburgh and Aberdeen. The Tay Road Bridge and Forth Road Bridge have been closed, while the Queensferry Crossing remains open with restrictions on high-sided vehicles.
- Schools: Almost all schools across Scotland are closed, leaving thousands of children at home.
- Power Outages: Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) reported over 6,000 customers experiencing power outages, with further disruptions anticipated. SSEN has deployed additional resources, with 10 times the usual number of staff working to restore supplies.
Scenes of Destruction
Cities and towns across Scotland are already witnessing the storm’s devastating effects. In Dumfries, brickwork from several buildings has collapsed, prompting the closure of Academy Street and Queensberry Street. The town centre has been taped off to prevent injuries from falling masonry.
In Edinburgh, the storm’s impact is visible in the form of fallen trees, upturned bins, and benches strewn across Princes Street Gardens. The streets of Glasgow are eerily quiet, with businesses shuttered and residents heeding warnings to stay indoors.
Catriona Renton, a BBC Scotland reporter in Glasgow, described the conditions: “The River Clyde area is being battered by relentless winds. It’s hard to capture the intensity in pictures, but the gusts are strong enough to make stationary vehicles feel as if they might blow over.”
Flight Cancellations and Challenges
Edinburgh Airport has halted all flights during the red weather warning, with delays and cancellations expected to persist even after the storm passes. A Ryanair flight attempting to land in Edinburgh was forced to abort and divert after struggling against the severe conditions.
Wind Speeds and Damage
A peak wind gust of 86mph was recorded in Dundrennan, Dumfries and Galloway, earlier this morning, with predictions of winds reaching up to 100mph as the storm intensifies. Across the country, fallen trees, flying debris, and structural damage have been reported.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has issued more than a dozen flood alerts and warnings, although no severe flood warnings have been declared yet.
Residents Brace for the Worst
Many Scots have drawn comparisons to Storm Arwen in November 2021, which caused widespread devastation, leaving thousands without power and damaging millions of trees. Memories of that event have prompted residents to take extra precautions.
Bernie and Helen McCartney, visiting Glasgow from Moray, shared their concerns: “We’re staying on the 16th floor of a hotel and plan to hunker down until the worst is over. We ventured out for fresh air this morning but won’t be taking any chances now.”
Authorities Urge Caution
Authorities are urging the public to prioritise safety. SSEN has encouraged anyone concerned about vulnerable neighbours to reach out via the free emergency number 105. Meanwhile, Police Scotland reiterated: “DO NOT TRAVEL. Stay indoors.”
As Storm Éowyn continues to batter Scotland, the nation is bracing for further disruption. With warnings in place until the evening, authorities and emergency services remain on high alert to address the storm’s impacts.
