Severe weather chaos across UK: disruptions and recovery efforts

Approximately 750 houses had another night without electricity after Storm Gerrit brought snow and floods to Scotland.

Power Outages in the North-East and Shetland

SSEN, a power company, restored power to over 45,000 properties affected by severe weather. However, approximately 750 properties remain without power as efforts continue to reconnect them.

Storm-Related Incidents

Storm Gerrit caused floods in Cupar, Fife, and stranded drivers on the A9 in the Highlands due to snow. A “localised tornado” damaged homes in Tameside, Greater Manchester, while lightning strikes in Ceredigion left 36,000 properties without electricity.

SSEN’s Assurance and Efforts

SSEN’s director expressed confidence in restoring power to the remaining affected customers. The power company had approximately 14,000 homes without power overnight following the severe weather.

Fatalities and Rescues

Tragically, three individuals died after a vehicle incident in North Yorkshire, an area heavily affected by flooding. Meanwhile, six people were rescued from flooded vehicles in Banchory, with no reported injuries.

Rail Service Disruptions and Restoration

Network Rail Scotland worked tirelessly to reopen affected rail lines, including key routes between Aberdeen, Dundee, and Inverness. 

Landslips and debris disrupted tracks, causing closures between Cupar and Dundee and affecting routes between Dumfries and Kilmarnock.

Diverse Incidents Across Scotland

Apart from rail closures, flooding was reported in Dumfries and the A96 at Huntly, with fallen trees obstructing roads. Additionally, the A82 south of Invergarry was affected by fallen trees.

This multifaceted weather disruption paints a picture of diverse challenges faced across the UK, prompting concerted efforts from authorities and service providers to restore normalcy and address the aftermath of these weather-related incidents.