Rail lines in western and northern Scotland will close as Storm Boelo sweeps in on Saturday with gusts of up to 80mph forecast. Forecasters have issued an amber warning for much of Scotland on Saturday evening into Sunday, the day after Storm Austen brings heavy rain to many areas on Friday.
Service suspensions and reduced speeds
From 9pm on Saturday, services south and west of Kilwinning will cease, and from 10pm on the Oban and Mallaig lines. On Sunday, the line between Kyle of Lochalsh and Achnashellach will not operate, nor will the service between Wick and Helmsdale. Trains that are running will operate at reduced speeds across much of Scotland and into the following day.
Storm timing and warnings
Storm Boelo is expected to arrive at around midday tomorrow when a Met Office yellow warning for wind comes into force. Winds of up to 80mph, accompanied by periods of heavy rain and frequent showers, have been forecast overnight and into Sunday, with an amber warning in force for 24 hours from 9pm on Saturday.
Forecasters have warned of the potential for danger to life from flying debris caused by the winds, as well as from large waves and beach debris in coastal areas. There is a "good chance" of power cuts and disruption to other services such as mobile phone signal, and damage to buildings and trees is likely.
Network Rail response
Craig Gorman, head of operational weather strategy at Network Rail Scotland, acknowledged the measure would have a "significant impact" on passengers, but said it would closely monitor the adverse weather and act accordingly.
He said: "We know closing lines and slowing trains will have a significant impact on people’s plans this weekend, and these aren’t decisions we take lightly. But when we’re facing weather of this scale, we have to put safety first and make sensible calls before conditions deteriorate."
"A huge amount of work goes on behind the scenes to understand how the weather could affect different parts of the railway. We’ll keep a close eye on conditions as Storm Boelo moves across Scotland and adapt our response where we need to, while doing everything we can to keep people moving."
ScotRail advice
Updating customers on social media, ScotRail said: "As Storm Boelo approaches, the Met Office has issued yellow and amber weather warnings for strong winds from midday tomorrow. Widespread gusts of 60 to 70mph are expected, while coastal areas could see gusts of up to 80mph. These very strong winds will be accompanied by frequent heavy rain and showers."
"Please secure any trampolines, garden furniture and other loose outdoor items, and keep a close eye on our social media channels for the latest service information, as some disruption to services is expected." Western areas of Scotland are expected to see the worst of the weather on Saturday night before it moves eastward overnight and into Sunday.
