NETWORK Rail meteorologists are closely monitoring forecasts and supporting preparations ahead of Storm Bram hitting Scotland.
The Met Office has issued an amber warning for wind in north west Scotland, where gusts could reach up to 90mph on Tuesday night. Yellow warnings for wind and rain cover the rest of the country.
Inspections of the country’s railway are being stepped up to identify and reduce potential hazards ahead of the storm. Additional teams will be on standby throughout – including chainsaw-trained staff ready to respond quickly to any trees or debris blown onto the tracks.
Once the storm has passed, engineers will inspect the closed lines for any damage. Network Rail Scotland’s helicopter will assist teams on the ground to complete essential checks across the network as quickly as possible.
To keep passengers and railway staff safe, trains will run at reduced speeds in some areas from Tuesday into Wednesday. Safety measures will continue to be reviewed and updated as necessary, Network Rail added.
Ross Moran, route director at Network Rail Scotland, said, “Storm Bram is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain, which could disrupt the railway. Our top priority is keeping passengers and staff safe, and we’re already working hard behind the scenes to prepare.
“Teams are carrying out extra inspections and putting contingency plans in place, with staff ready to respond quickly to any damage throughout the storm. We’ll be monitoring conditions closely and doing everything we can to keep people moving safely.
“We’re asking passengers to check their journey before travelling on Tuesday and stay up to date with the latest information.”
