Thousands without power as providers work to restore storm-related cuts

Around 40,000 customers in Scotland remain without electricity after Storm Eowyn and some may have to wait several days before it is restored.

As of 4pm on Saturday, about 28,000 Scottish Power customers were without power and, as of 7.30pm, about 12,000 Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) customers.

As of 7.30pm, SSEN said it had restored power to about 78,000 customers, and Scottish Power to about 192,000, all of whom had been cut off because of the storm.

Scottish Power said there are still issues with repair work in certain areas because of high winds, snow, ice and debris.

It said nearly 200,000 properties have been affected since the storm began, and has taken more than 52,000 calls so far, about a month’s worth of calls in a single day.

Aileen Rourke, Scottish Power Energy Networks Scotland’s distribution director, said: “This is one of the most severe storms we’ve had in decades and the damage to the network from those hurricane-force winds is extensive.

“Continuing difficult conditions today are also affecting progress in reaching certain areas and engineers working at height, with high winds continuing.

“Unfortunately, the severity of the storm and damage means in some areas it could take several days to restore power.

“We know it is difficult for customers and are updating them on likely timescales to help them plan for the coming days.

“Hotel accommodation is being provided where possible and food vouchers as well as food trucks in the most badly affected areas.

“We’ve also worked with local authorities and other partners to arrange warm spaces for people to go to charge phones and get hot food and drinks.

“We’ve got our full resources working hard across the country to get people back on supply and will continue to work closely with the Scottish Government, local authorities and other services to support customers.”

The company has sent food vans to affected areas and has offered some people temporary accommodation when necessary. It urged people to keep up to date on its social media channels where possible.

SSEN said the main areas affected are Argyll and Bute, the Kintyre peninsula, south Perthside and the Trossachs.

They said some customers in these areas may be without power until Monday, but those other parts of Scotland should expect to have their power restored by the end of Saturday.

SSEN distribution’s director of customer operations for the north of Scotland, Andy Smith, said: “We expect to restore power to all customers who are outside yesterday’s red alert area by the end of the night, but due to the extent of damage caused by yesterday’s exceptional storm, and the complex nature of the repairs needed inside the red alert zone, some customers will remain off supply for at least another night.

“We’re working with our local resilience partners to support these customers, especially those on our priority services register.

“We’re in contact with affected customers and we’ll provide them with a realistic estimate of when their lights are likely to go back on as soon as we’re able.

“I would also encourage anyone awaiting reconnection to make use of the extensive welfare support we’ve put in place for them.”

The Met Office issued a rare red weather warning covering much of southern Scotland and yellow and amber warnings for the rest of the country, and a wind speed of 100mph was recorded in South Lanarkshire in the early afternoon.

First Minister John Swinney thanked all emergency services, public and private sector workers involved in helping the country recover from the effects of the storm.

He added: “I am pleased at the progress made to restore power to many communities over the course of today however a significant number of properties remain without power. Utility companies are continuing to provide support to customers, including ensuring provisions are in place for the most vulnerable.

“I want to thank people for their continued patience and encourage them to take extra care and look out for each other, particularly those who are supporting vulnerable neighbours and family members.”

A number of public spaces including parks have experienced extensive damage.

Several trees fell in Queen’s Park in the southside of Glasgow, blocking paths and walkways.

Network Rail Scotland said 400 incidents of damage on Scotland’s railways had been found since the storm passed, including more than 120 trees and debris on tracks.

It said storm damage to overhead power lines at Lockerbie, Abington and Rutherglen means the West Coast mainline will stay closed until Sunday.

Ross Moran, Network Rail Scotland route director, said: “Our engineers are hard at work across the country repairing the damage caused by Storm Eowyn.

“The extreme winds which battered our network have caused extensive damage across Scotland’s Railway bringing over 120 trees down onto the tracks.

“With hundreds of incidents across the country to respond to we are working around the clock to reopen all of our railway as quickly as possible and keep our customers moving.”

Avanti West Coach, which offers long-distance services from Scotland to England, advised customers not to travel north of Preston on Sunday and instead travel on Monday or Tuesday using their original tickets. Alternatively, customers can receive a refund.

National rail operator ScotRail said “extensive damage” had been done to overhead lines in some areas, which they said would need to be repaired before trains could resume safely.

This included four areas of overhead wire damage south of Carstairs on the West Coast Main Line.

Joanne Maguire, ScotRail managing director, said disruption would continue “throughout the weekend at least”, and advised travellers to check the ScotRail website or app before making travel plans.

Tickets for journeys that were disrupted by the storm can be used up to and including Tuesday January 28, and customers can also apply for a fee-free refund on any unused tickets.

While most trunk roads that were closed have now reopened, Transport Scotland has said that local roads may still be flooded or closed and that travellers should check with local authorities for the latest information.

Bus services have also been disrupted, and travellers are advised to check with operators before travelling.

Ferry operators have also announced continuing disruption over the weekend.

CalMac said storm damage has caused all services on its Kennacraig, Port Askaig and Port Ellen route and Oban, Colonsay, Port Askaig and Kennacraig route to be cancelled on Saturday, while all sailings between Gourock and Dunoon are cancelled on Saturday and Sunday, with a replacement shuttle bus provided.

A number of other CalMac services face disruption or possible disruption and replacement timetables have been issued for a number of routes. Information is available on the CalMac website.

The Met Office has issued fresh yellow weather warnings covering the whole of Scotland for Saturday and Sunday, including one for wind in the northern and western Highlands from 6pm on Saturday to 6am on Sunday.

A yellow weather warning for snow and ice has also been issued for the far north and west of the country, beginning at 6pm on Saturday and expiring at 10am on Sunday.