Weather Warnings Until Thursday - Trains Cancelled - School Closures Possible

9th December 2014

Police and partner agencies across the Highlands and Islands are reminding the public to be vigilant following yellow warning reports (be prepared) of severe gales and storm force winds with gusts of up to 60-70mph from 9pm on the evening of Tuesday 09 December 2014 through to 6am Thursday morning of 11 December 2014. The winds are believed to be strong enough that there could be some structural damage associated with them, and they will also be accompanied by high seas which have the potential to cause wave overtopping.

There are warnings of localised flooding in the area along with surface waters on roads. The public is also advised of the potential for causeways to close for indeterminate periods and to check partner agency websites and listen to radio reports for further updates. There is also the strong possibility of disruption to public transport.

The Police would also like to remind the public to secure any outside items such as garden furniture and play equipment, for example trampolines.

For updates on weather alerts it is recommended to check the Met Office website which can be found at the following address - http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings/

Flood alert information can be found on the SEPA Floodline website - http://floodline.sepa.org.uk/floodupdates/

Due to severe weather conditions forecast for tomorrow Wednesday 10th December 2014, several train services have been withdrawn as a safety precaution.

This includes Inverness to Thurso/Wick.

No trains will run on the following lines -
Inverness-Kyle
Ayr-Stranraer
Kilwinning-Ardrossan/Largs
Dumbarton Central-Helensburgh Central
Glasgow Queen St-Oban/Fort William/Mallaig (this includes the Caledonian Sleeper)
These routes are likely to bear the brunt of the 70mph winds and high tides forecast to hit the north and west of Scotland over the next 48 hours.

Replacement bus services will be considered but are dependent on road conditions.

Many schools were closed - see Highland council Web site www.highland.gov.uk/schoolclosures