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Scotland storm: Work to restore power to homes Scotland storm: Work to restore power to homes
(40 minutes later)
Efforts are continuing to restore power to almost 60,000 homes in Scotland amid warnings of further severe weather for the north. Efforts are continuing to restore power to almost 60,000 homes in Scotland amid warnings of further severe weather.
Gusting winds on Thursday reached up to 165mph, bringing down trees, closing roads and knocking out power lines.Gusting winds on Thursday reached up to 165mph, bringing down trees, closing roads and knocking out power lines.
The A9 was blocked by fallen trees in Tayside, leaving dozens of cars stuck, but has reopened southbound. Engineers will carry on work to reconnect customers at first light, but the Scottish government warned some may be without power until the weekend.
Most schools are now expected to reopen after many councils and businesses closed early on Thursday.Most schools are now expected to reopen after many councils and businesses closed early on Thursday.
Winds on Thursday reached up to 165mph (264km/h) at Cairngorm Summit and at low level 105mph (168km/h), at Tulloch Bridge.Winds on Thursday reached up to 165mph (264km/h) at Cairngorm Summit and at low level 105mph (168km/h), at Tulloch Bridge.
The A9 was blocked by fallen trees in Tayside, leaving dozens of cars stuck, but has reopened southbound.
The severe weather hit many other parts of the UK, including:The severe weather hit many other parts of the UK, including:
  • More than 300 passengers were stranded on the Rotterdam-Hull ferry off the East Yorkshire coast. The Pride of Hull, was unable to dock, after fears that high winds could damage the P&O ship as it entered port.
  • North Wales was hit hit by wind, with the strongest gust of 81mph (130km/h) recorded at Aberdaron on the tip of the Lleyn peninsula, with 70 mph (110km/h) at Mumbles Head, Swansea.
  • More than 300 passengers were stranded on the Rotterdam-Hull ferry off the East Yorkshire coast. The Pride of Hull, was unable to dock, after fears that high winds could damage the P&O ship as it entered port.
  • North Wales was hit hit by wind, with the strongest gust of 81mph (130km/h) recorded at Aberdaron on the tip of the Lleyn peninsula, with 70 mph (110km/h) at Mumbles Head, Swansea.
The Scottish government said its latest update was that the storms were easing over the central belt.The Scottish government said its latest update was that the storms were easing over the central belt.
However, it warned of severe weather into the early hours of Friday, affecting mainly the Highlands, Moray and north Aberdeenshire.However, it warned of severe weather into the early hours of Friday, affecting mainly the Highlands, Moray and north Aberdeenshire.
On Thursday evening about 50,000 Scottish and Southern Energy/Scottish Hydro customers were left without electricity, along with about 8,000 Scottish Power customers.On Thursday evening about 50,000 Scottish and Southern Energy/Scottish Hydro customers were left without electricity, along with about 8,000 Scottish Power customers.
SSE Power Distribution said: "We currently have 50,000 customers off supply because of storm damage.SSE Power Distribution said: "We currently have 50,000 customers off supply because of storm damage.
"We are working hard to restore power where safe to do so."We are working hard to restore power where safe to do so.
"We have 100 extra engineers drafted in from the south of England giving over 600 in total working to restore power.""We have 100 extra engineers drafted in from the south of England giving over 600 in total working to restore power."
The company expected to stand down staff at 22:00 and restart at first light but warned that more customers could lose power overnight before things get better.The company expected to stand down staff at 22:00 and restart at first light but warned that more customers could lose power overnight before things get better.
The main areas affected are Tiree, Oban, Fort William, Kippen, Callander, Coupar Angus, Huntly and Ballater.The main areas affected are Tiree, Oban, Fort William, Kippen, Callander, Coupar Angus, Huntly and Ballater.
Vulnerable customers have been contacted to ensure appropriate measures are in place.Vulnerable customers have been contacted to ensure appropriate measures are in place.
Northern Constabulary warned that it was expected Caithness and North Sutherland could be badly affected by snow and very high winds through the night.Northern Constabulary warned that it was expected Caithness and North Sutherland could be badly affected by snow and very high winds through the night.
Across Scotland local authorities have been assessing structural damage to schools and council properties.Across Scotland local authorities have been assessing structural damage to schools and council properties.
Many were hoping that schools and nurseries could reopen on Friday, but some were due to asses the situation in the morning.Many were hoping that schools and nurseries could reopen on Friday, but some were due to asses the situation in the morning.
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who has been chairing the Scottish government's resilience committee, said: "While the worst of the weather has subsided across the central belt, other areas of the country are still experiencing severe conditions.Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who has been chairing the Scottish government's resilience committee, said: "While the worst of the weather has subsided across the central belt, other areas of the country are still experiencing severe conditions.
"Contractors are working hard to resolve remaining issues on our roads and with power supplies."Contractors are working hard to resolve remaining issues on our roads and with power supplies.
"I would urge all members of the public to continue to take care and heed advice from police and travel authorities."I would urge all members of the public to continue to take care and heed advice from police and travel authorities.
"The situation across the country will be monitored overnight and the resilience committee will meet again at 08:30 hours tomorrow morning to assess the position.""The situation across the country will be monitored overnight and the resilience committee will meet again at 08:30 hours tomorrow morning to assess the position."
However, Ms Sturgeon warned that some customers may not be reconnected before the weekend.However, Ms Sturgeon warned that some customers may not be reconnected before the weekend.
Are you in Scotland? You can send your comments and weather pictures to the BBC using the form below:Are you in Scotland? You can send your comments and weather pictures to the BBC using the form below:
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