As Storm Isha makes its way through the United Kingdom, ScotRail has suspended all train services until after the Monday rush hour. The Met Office has issued an amber warning for high winds, which include gusts of up to 90mph (128km/h) that pose a risk to life in Scotland. The warning is expected to last from 6:00 pm on Sunday until 6:00 am on Monday.
According to Phil Campbell, ScotRail’s customer operations director, the ongoing heavy wind and rain are affecting most parts of the country, making it unsafe for customers and staff. Hence, the company prioritizes their safety, and all train services will be suspended from 7:00 pm on Sunday. Network Rail Scotland will be working on carrying out safety checks and assessing the repairs required to reopen the railway.
There are potential risks to those traveling on the road, and drivers are urged to consider the need to travel. Transport Scotland’s head of transport resilience, Ashleigh Robson, said that surface water would reduce visibility when driving, high-sided vehicles are at risk, and the strength of winds could pose a risk to pedestrians. The advice from Police Scotland is to expect a high risk of disruption across Scotland.
Isha is the ninth named storm to hit the UK since September, and according to the Met Office, it is “relatively rare” for the whole country to be affected by storm warnings. It is expected that power cuts may occur, which could affect mobile phone signal in the affected areas. Additionally, roads and bridges are likely to be shut, and the Met Office’s forecaster, Ellie Glaisyer, recommends drivers to be wary of water on the roads, lots of spray, some fallen branches and trees causing roadblocks and delays to ferry services, trains, and plane travel
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