ScotRail to shut down most train services early tomorrow amid Storm Dudley concerns

ScotRail will wind down most of its services early tomorrow amid concerns over the potential Storm Dudley threat.

The transport firm said that it expects blowing debris and trees to damage vital rail infrastructure, such as power lines and signals, as a result of the gale force winds expected to hit much of Scotland tomorrow.

Met Office forecasters have warned that the most exposed areas of the country could see gusts reach as 90mph.

The majority of ScotRail’s services will shut down by 4pm tomorrow when the worst of Storm Dudley is expected to sweep across the country.

Services in the Far North, Kyle of Lochalsh and the Aberdeen -Inverness lines will continue to run as normal, ScotRail confirmed in a statement.

Network Rail will have additional engineers out across the network to react to any problems that should arise from the adverse weather conditions.

Passengers have been urged to check the status of their journeys on Thursday, with disruption expected to continue until mid-morning that day.

David Simpson, ScotRail service delivery director, said: “We know the impact that the earlier withdrawal of services will have on customers but it’s a necessary step to ensure the safety of our staff and customers due to the severe weather.

“If you have to travel tomorrow (Wednesday), please check the ScotRail app or website before heading to the station.

"With services being withdrawn in the afternoon, we’d ask all customers to carefully plan ahead.”

Two Met Office severe weather warnings have been issued for the majority of Scotland from Wednesday through to Thursday.

Storm Dudley is expected to descend on the country from around 3pm and is forecast to continue until around 6am.

An amber ‘danger to life’ warning has been issued across the central belt and in southern Scotland, which will take effect from 4pm on Wednesday until 11.59pm that evening.

Storm Eunice will then hit the UK on Friday, with southern Scotland expected to see severe gusts and blizzard conditions throughout the day.

Paul Gundersen, Met Office chief meteorologist, said: “An active jet stream is driving low-pressure systems across the country, both of which are likely to cause some disruption and National Severe Weather Warnings have been issued.”

Police have warned of travel disruption across much of Scotland over the coming days, and have urged drivers to take extra care on the roads.

A notice on the Traffic Scotland website reads: “Winter driving is a question of common sense and all drivers should ask themselves if they really need to travel when conditions are poor.

“No one should ever place themselves at risk on the road and it may be worth making alternative arrangement such as delaying travel until the conditions improve.

“If you are travelling on the roads, you should ensure you and your vehicle are adequately prepare for the conditions, making sure you have sufficient fuel supplies such as warm clothing, food and water in the event you are delayed for several hours. Charge your mobile phone and plan your route as well as alternative routes.

“If you are driving a vehicle which may be vulnerable to being blown over in such conditions along exposed routes including bridges, please exercise additional caution and plan your route to avoid exposed areas or consider cancelling your journey until conditions improve.”