Scotland is preparing for a further spell of severe weather after an amber wind warning was issued for Storm Boelo, with planned rail closures and a co-ordinated transport response due to begin over the weekend.
The amber warning covers all mainland Scotland from 21:00 on Saturday 24 October until 21:00 on Sunday 25 October. Separate yellow wind warnings remain in place across mainland Scotland, the Western Isles and Orkney through Sunday. The forecast is for widespread gusts of 60 to 70mph, with gusts of up to 80mph possible on exposed coasts.
Those are forecast conditions, not a report that disruption has already occurred. Strong winds and heavy rain may affect travel and local power supplies, while the precise effects will vary by place and can change as the forecast develops.
Five rail sections are set to close
ScotRail has announced precautionary closures on five sections of four routes. The line between Kilwinning and Ayr is due to close from 21:00 on Saturday. On the Glasgow Queen Street routes, the Fort William to Mallaig and Crianlarich to Oban sections are expected to close from about 22:00 on Saturday.
From the start of service on Sunday, the Kyle of Lochalsh to Achnashellach section and the Helmsdale to Wick and Thurso section are also scheduled to close. Reduced speeds are expected across much of Scotland’s railway from late Saturday night and during Sunday. Restrictions on the Far North Line could remain in place into Monday morning.
Services on the affected sections will not resume until Network Rail has completed safety inspections. Those checks are intended to identify flooding, fallen trees, debris or storm damage. The reopening time therefore depends on conditions after the storm rather than on a fixed timetable.
Passengers with tickets dated Saturday 24 October or Sunday 25 October may use them on any service on Saturday. They may instead use them once routes reopen, including on Monday 26 October. ScotRail has advised passengers to check their journey before setting out and allow additional time.
Transport response will monitor conditions
Transport Scotland plans to stand up its Resilience Room and Multi Agency Response Team for the warning period. The arrangements are intended to monitor conditions and co-ordinate action across the transport network. Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journeys and cancellations possible.
Bridges and exposed routes could face restrictions if conditions require them. Police Scotland has advised travellers to plan ahead, consider whether a journey is necessary and allow more time if they do travel. Wet roads, spray and high winds can make driving conditions more difficult, especially for larger vehicles.
Flooding risk remains elevated
Heavy rainfall linked to the wider unsettled weather is also expected to keep flood risk elevated over the weekend and into the following week. River and surface-water flooding is possible in southern, central and eastern parts of Scotland. Further localised flooding may affect western and central areas as rain moves east on Saturday.
Coastal impacts are also possible around the Firth of Clyde, where large waves and rising tidal levels could affect low-lying roads and local travel. The strongest winds are expected from Saturday evening, when high waves could add to the risk around exposed coasts.
Travellers are being urged to check the latest conditions for every part of their journey, including connections, shortly before leaving. The warning and the operational measures are precautionary. Individual train, road, ferry and flight services may have different arrangements, and the position can change as conditions develop.
