Weather warnings for snow, wind and rain have come into force across Scotland today as Storm Gerrit batters the country.
The storm, which was named by the Met Office, arrived in the UK overnight, bringing the risk of very strong winds, heavy rainfall and flurries of snow.
The north of Scotland is set to be worst hit by the wild storm, where gales could reach a staggering 85mph and up to 10cm of snow could fall. People living in the areas covered by the yellow weather warnings have been urged to take extra care when travelling.
Travellers have been warned of delays and potentially hazardous conditions. Weather experts at the Met Office warned that the treacherous conditions are likely to wreak havoc when it comes to travel, with air, road, rail and ferry journeys cancelled.
ScotRail has advised anyone travelling by train to check their journeys ahead of time as speed restrictions could cause some delays. Some services have been cancelled due to the adverse effects of the weather, so passengers are urged to use the journey checking site for updates.
As well as strong winds, Storm Gerrit could also bring lashings of rainfall and snow within the warning areas. This could cause some flooding and damage to homes and businesses, as well as potentially wreaking havoc on coastal communities due to large waves and sea spray.
People are also urged to take extra care when walking anywhere due to flying debris which could potentially cause an injury. Services such as power and mobile phone coverage could also be knocked out by the weather.
Met Office meteorologist Simon Partridge said the storm was named as a warning to people coming home after the Christmas holidays.
He said: “Due to the extent of the warnings that are being issued, it was deemed that a named storm would be a good idea because it will highlight to the public the risk associated, particularly as tomorrow is likely to be quite a busy day on the roads with people travelling back home from Christmas and things like that.”
Huge swathes of the country are covered by the alerts – two of which are already in force for much of central, eastern and northern Scotland. These are both due to end by midnight this evening.
And a third warning for wind and snow, which covers Shetland, is due to come into force at 9pm, lasting until 6am tomorrow.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Frank Saunders said: “Storm Gerrit will run towards western UK on Wednesday and bring with it potential impacts for much of the UK.
“Winds across southern coastal areas of England will be strong, possibly peaking around 70 mph on exposed coastlines, but more widely around 50-60 mph within the warning area.
“Rain is an additional hazard from Storm Gerrit, with active weather fronts leading to a wet day for many. Snow is also likely to cause problems for some northern areas: only briefly for a few upland routes across the Pennines and southern Scotland overnight and early on Wednesday, but more widely to the north of the Central Lowlands later in the day. Here around 10 to possibly 20cm of snow may affect some of the highest routes, this combining with very strong winds to lead to some difficult travel conditions. At lower levels a combination of heavy rain and very strong winds will dominate.”
Storm Gerrit will transition gradually to the northeast late on Wednesday and into Thursday. Further unsettled weather is likely later in the week, with strong winds, rain and some upland snow.
18:33Key Event
Major incident declared on A9 with ‘hundreds’ trapped in cars in ‘severe’ conditions
A major incident has been declared on the A9 in the Highlands as Storm Gerrit continues to batter Scotland. Hundreds of drivers are reportedly trapped in the “very severe” conditions on the road.
Heavy snowfall during Storm Gerrit has caused vehicles to get stuck in the snow with traffic going on for “miles” between Drumochter and Dalwhinnie. Scots have reported being stranded in their vehicles for hours.
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17:49Gemma Ryder
ScotRail train smashed by tree
Dramatic photos have been shared by MSP Paul Sweeny of the damage to a ScotRail train caused by a tree during adverse weather today.
The drivers cabin at the front of the InterCity 125 locomotive can been seen smashed in. Mr Sweeny said the driver was unharmed. It happened on a service from Dundee to Glasgow.
He weote on X: “Horrendous tree impact damage to a ScotRail InterCity 125 locomotive today, en route from Dundee to Glasgow. Thankfully, the driver is unharmed.
“Whilst a British railway icon, the crashworthiness of the 125 does not meet modern standards. The driver’s cab is a fibreglass shell.”
17:25Key Event
Storm Gerrit causing power cuts across Scotland as over 27,000 homes impacted by blackouts
Over 27,000 properties have been hit by power cuts in the north of Scotland as Storm Gerrit continues to cause chaos across the country.
Weather conditions have been more severe than forecast on Wednesday, with galeforce winds moving across from Argyll and the southern Highlands before impacting the Angus and Aberdeenshire coast and inland areas across the north east.
Winds gusts have already reached over 80mph with a yellow weather warning remaining in place until midnight and further disruption expected. But the winds coupled with heavy rain and snow, has already led to damage on the electricity network by fallen trees, branches, and other debris.
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17:24Gemma Ryder
Glen Nevis Road closed tonight
17:20Gemma Ryder
Severe flooding in Lochwinnoch
Police say they are aware of severe flooding in various locations in Lochwinnoch. They are urgign people to take care and avoid driving in the area where possible.
16:35Gemma Ryder
Met Office updates
The fastest recorded wind gusts so far are 86mph at Inverbervie on the north-east coast of Scotland.
Around 2-3cm of snow have fallen in Aviemore in the Cairngorms.
A rainfall gauge at the Great Langdale Valley in the Lake District has seen the highest accumulation so far, with 77.6mm – nearly half the usual 178mm monthly rainfall for December, the Met Office said.
16:32Gemma Ryder
Post-Christmas travellers told not to travel and book hotel by train operator
Train operator LNER, which runs services between London and Scotland on the East Coast Main Line, has advised customers not to travel due to the weather.
Customers stranded by the disruption were told to book hotels which they can claim back.
Avanti West Coast, which operates services on the West Coast Main Line, said its route to Scotland is impassable, with all services to and from London terminating at Preston.
Those with pre-booked tickets for travel between Preston and either Edinburgh or Glasgow can board trains on Thursday or Friday, the operator said.
16:21Gemma Ryder
Police Scotland warning as Storm Gerrit causes travel chaos
Police Scotland is warning of travel disruption across the country due to Storm Gerrit.
Adverse weather is being experienced across much of the country, resulting in flooding, heavy snowfall and high winds.
A Yellow Weather Warning from the Met Office is in place for much of the country including: Highland and Islands, Angus, Dundee, Perth, Fife, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, East Lothian and Dumfries and Galloway, until midnight.
Members of the public are being warned in these areas may face numerous hazards such as flooding, flying debris, downed trees and power lines. Motorists are advised to take due care and travel only if absolutely essential.
Police and partner agencies we are dealing with a number of vehicles stranded on the A9 at Dalnaspidal due to severe weather conditions. Drivers stuck there are asked to remain in their vehicles meantime, keep warm, and tune in to local radio or social media where further updates will be provided as soon as possible.
The A9 is also closed in both directions at Dunkeld.
The A90 is closed in both directions at Kincaldrum, between Forfar and Dundee, and the A92 is closed at Inverurie. Motorists should use alternative routes.
Inspector Michelle Burns, from Police Scotland’s Road Policing Unit, said: “Yellow warnings are in place across the country and as such, conditions for travel in the affected areas may be hazardous and extra caution should be exercised by all road users.
“Members of the public are urged to listen to local radio or keep an eye on social media for travel updates.
“There are a number of closures on major roads and bridge restrictions have also been implemented during this period of adverse weather and we would advise the public to consult the Traffic Scotland and Met Office websites for continuous and updated information.”
15:51John-Paul Clark
Scottish Citylink buses announce services currently suspended.
Scottish Citylink has announced that all bus services are currently suspended between Perth, Inverness and Dundee due to road closures.
They said the situation is constantly changing but as of 3pm said no buses are able to leave.
15:42John-Paul Clark
Bear Scotland get to work rescuing motorists stuck on A9
Bear NW Trunk Roads have ploughs on the A9 working to clear the road as hundreds of motorists have been stuck on the road for a number of hours.
Heavy snowfall caused the road to be closed and left road users stranded.
15:34John-Paul Clark
Flooding hits roads at Laurencekirk.
An image shows two cars stuck in floods on a road at Laurencekirk.
15:19Key Event
‘Hundreds’ of Scots drivers trapped in cars on A9
Hundreds of Scots drivers are reportedly trapped on one of Scotland’s most notorious roads due to heavy snowfall during Storm Gerrit.
An image shows a long lie of vehicles stuck on the A9 between Falls of Bruar and Dalwhinnie as the weather worsens in the region.
Motorists posted online complaining of being stuck on the road for up to five hours.
15:14John-Paul Clark
Roads flooded across Scotland
Storm Gerrit caused floods across parts of Scotland today.
15:05John-Paul Clark
Tree blocks road in Aberdeen.
Footage has captured a man with a chainsaw chopping a tree apart after it fell on a road in Aberdeen this afternoon.
15:03John-Paul Clark
Flooding between Lockerbie and Carlisle trains tations
Flooding between Lockerbie and Carlisle means all rail lines are blocked between those stations.
Avanti West Coast advised passengers not to attempt to travel north of Preston on Wednesday.
Those with pre-booked tickets for travel between Preston and either Edinburgh or Glasgow can board trains on Thursday or Friday.
14:59Key Event
Storm Gerrit forces Scottish flight cancellations as country battered by 80mph winds
Air traffic control restrictions meant 18 British Airways flights due to operate to or from London’s Heathrow Airport were axed.
They were return domestic trips to Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow – as well as Jersey and Manchester, Barcelona, Berlin, Madrid and Paris Charles de Gaulle in mainland Europe.
14:57John-Paul Clark
Hundreds of Scots motorists stranded on A9
Traffic Scotland have reported that the A9 is closed at Dalnaspidal due to the heavy snowfall. Bear North West Trunks are working hard to clear the area.
14:00Key Event
Rangers vs Ross County game cancelled due to storm
The Rangers vs Ross County fixture at Ibrox scheduled for tonight has been postponed.
The storm impacting parts of the A9 and leaving Ross County unable to travel led the game being called off.
A spokesperson for Ibrox club said: “Rangers can confirm this evening’s Scottish Premiership fixture with Ross County has been postponed.
“Despite the Ibrox playing surface being in good condition and ready to host the match, adverse weather conditions on the A9 means our visitors have been unable to r.each Glasgow.
“A new date for the fixture will be confirmed in due course.”
13:51John-Paul Clark
Network Rail confirm station closed due to severe flooding
Bowling Train Station in Dunbartonshire has been closed due to deep flooding on the railway line. Network Rail shared images of the damage caused by the storm.
13:34John-Paul Clark
Scotrail lift ticket restricions
Scotrail have announced that they have lifted all ticket restricions across the network due to the severe weather causing major disruption.
12:53Key Event
Ferry chaos as high winds see dozens of Scots crossings cancelled
Scotland’s ferries were plunged into chaos this morning as Storm Gerrit wreaked havoc with planned sailings. CalMac revealed a number of crossings were cancelled and delayed.
Strong winds and choppy waters left some passengers unable to get home after being away for Christmas and others unable to visit family members as planned.
Ferries from Ardrossan, Ayrshire, to the Isle of Arran, Tobermory, on the Isle of Mull, to Kilchoan, Lochaber, and Barra to Eriskay, Outer Hebrides, were cancelled.
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12:35John-Paul Clark
Snow arrives on the west coast of Scotland
Motorists in Greenock were hit by travel chaos as the snow fell this morning. Traffic came to a halt outside Inverclyde Royal Hospital.
12:27John-Paul Clark
Car stuck in floodwater as storm hits Glasgow
Floods have hit parts of Glasgow as the storms hits the city. Footage show a car stuck in floodwater on Maryhill Road.
12:21John-Paul Clark
Scotland braced for snow bomb
Weather experts have predicted a snow bomb could be set to hit Scotland early in the New Year following days of torrential rain, snow and wind due to Storm Gerrit. Forecasters say the Sudden Stratospheric Warning (SSW) could bring a series of cold fronts and longer spells of chilly conditions.
12:17John-Paul Clark
Calmac ferries cancelled and delayed due to storm
Calmac has announced that a number of ferries will be delayed or cancelled. They ask people to check the status of their planned journey before travelling.
11:17John-Paul Clark
Police Scotland close road
Road maintenance firm Bear Scotland release images showing damage the storm has caused this morning. They say Police Scotland have closed part of the A82 due to fallen trees and lighting column.
11:03John-Paul Clark
Tree on the road at Inverurie
A fallen tree has caused a road to be cut off on the B9001 just after the Drum of Wartle Garage in Inverurie.
10:55Key Event
Full list of Scotland roads and bridges closed
As the storm hits motorists are facing difficult driving conditions with flooding and spray water. Strong winds winds are also causing dangerous conditions for vehicles crossing bridges. Traffic Scotland has confirmed that a number of roads and bridges have been forced to close due to Storm Gerrit.
10:52John-Paul Clark
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) urges people visiting the coast to be aware of the dangers.
The RNLI advises people to stay a safe distance away from the water and cliff edges as the conditions could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea.
They ask that if you see someone else in danger in the water, call 999 or 112. If you have something that floats that they can hold on to, throw it to them, and don’t go in the water yourself or you may end up in difficulty too.
10:27Key Event
Scotrail warn some trains will be cancelled and delayed
ScotRail customer operations director Phil Campbell has warned customers to expect disruption to servics and changes to journeys. The rail operator is working hard to ensure ‘people are kept moving’ but say customers should also expect that their travels will take longer than usual.
10:12John-Paul Clark
Traffic Scotland confirm road closures
The transport agency warns that roads have been closed as the storm causes flooding and hazards throughout the country. Delays and diversion have been put in place on the A68, A85, A82 and A9.
09:51John-Paul Clark
ScotRail disruption as tree falls on line
Scotrail have warned that a tree on the line at Dumbarton will cause services from the station to be cancelled. Network Rail is working with emergency services to remove the tree.
09:47John-Paul Clark
String of alerts for snow, wind and rain come into force
A number of warnings have come into force as Storm Gerrit batters Scotland. The storm arrived in the UK overnight, bringing the risk of very strong winds, heavy rainfall and flurries of snow..
09:15Key Event
Storm Gerrit hits Scotland as strong winds and blizzards could spark travel chaos
Scots are being urged to brace for a further spell of chaotic weather as Storm Gerrit batters the country.
The storm is likely to bring adverse conditions such as blizzards and gales of up to 80mph to huge swathes of the UK in the coming days.
It comes after the weather service issued a string of warnings for Scotland on December 27 and 28 – the effects of which are set to be worsened by the impact of the storm.
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William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
