Scotland braces for another storm after Isha’s devastation
Just a day after Storm Isha caused widespread damage and disruption across the UK, Scotland is facing another storm that could pose a serious threat to life and property. Storm Jocelyn, the 10th named storm of the season, is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to Scotland on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Met Office has issued an amber warning for wind for the west coast of Scotland and parts of the north and north east, as well as yellow warnings for wind and rain for the rest of the country. Wind gusts could reach up to 80mph in some areas, while rainfall could cause flooding and landslides.
ScotRail suspends all train services from 7pm on Tuesday
As a precautionary measure, ScotRail has announced that it will suspend all of its train services from 7pm on Tuesday until further notice. This is the second time in three nights that rail services have been stopped due to severe weather conditions. ScotRail said it was working closely with Network Rail and other partners to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of passengers and staff. Customers are advised to check the ScotRail website or app for the latest travel information and to avoid travelling unless absolutely necessary.
Other transport modes affected by Storm Jocelyn
Storm Jocelyn is also likely to cause disruption to other modes of transport, such as road, air and ferry. Several flights have been cancelled or delayed at Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen airports, and passengers are urged to check with their airlines before travelling. Many ferry services have been suspended or altered, especially on the west coast and the Northern Isles. Drivers are warned of dangerous conditions on the roads due to high winds, surface water and debris. The public is advised to follow the guidance of the authorities and to stay away from coastal areas, where large waves and flying objects could pose a risk.
Storm Isha leaves two dead and thousands without power
Storm Jocelyn comes in the wake of Storm Isha, which battered parts of the UK with gusts of up to 99mph on Sunday and Monday. Storm Isha claimed the lives of two people: an 84-year-old man who died after his car crashed into a tree near Falkirk, and a man in his 60s who was killed when a tree fell on his car in Limavady, County Londonderry. Thousands of homes were left without power, especially in Northern Ireland, where about 13,000 customers were still without electricity on Monday night. Storm Isha also caused damage to buildings, vehicles and infrastructure, and disrupted the journeys of many road, rail and air travellers.
How to stay safe and informed during Storm Jocelyn
Storm Jocelyn is expected to peak on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, but the impacts could last for several days. The Met Office has issued the following severe weather warnings:
- An amber warning for wind has been issued for the fringes of western and northern Scotland from 6pm on Tuesday till 8am on Wednesday
- A yellow warning for wind has been issued across the whole of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern Wales and north-west England
- A yellow warning for wind is in place for south Wales, the Midlands and north-east England from 12pm on Tuesday until 3pm on Wednesday
- A yellow warning for rain has been issued across western Scotland from 7am until 6pm on Tuesday
- A yellow warning for rain has been issued across parts of north-west England from 11am until 7pm on Tuesday
- A yellow warning for ice has been issued across northern and eastern parts of Scotland until 9am on Tuesday
The public is advised to follow the latest updates from the Met Office, local authorities, emergency services and transport providers, and to take extra care during this period of extreme weather.
