SCHOOLS are closed, rail and ferry services cancelled, workplaces have shut and operations and events have been called off today as the region braces for the dangerous Storm Éowyn to hit.
Winds of up to 100 mph are expected on the Galloway coast and in the Sanquhar area between 10 am and 5 pm- prompting the Met Office to issue a rare red weather warning telling people locally to stay indoors and avoid travel.
The rest of Dumfries and Galloway is under an amber alert, for gusts of anywhere between 60 and 90 mph, during the hours of 6 am to 9 pm.
Outwith these times the Met Office has also put in place a yellow wind warning for very strong gales.
Furthermore, forecasters say there will be snow until midday, clearing to rain after that.
As a result of the storm, widespread disruption is predicted locally, including power cuts, road and bridge closures, fallen trees and property damage.
Weather experts say conditions will be ‘dangerous’ and there could be risk to life from flying debris and damage to buildings.
Frantic preparations erupted yesterday in response to the warnings.
Stena Line cancelled sailings from Cairnryan, while Transpennine Express and Scot Rail also cancelled train services in and through the region, and Police Scotland appealed to the public to only travel on the roads in an emergency.
Dumfries and Galloway Council closed all nurseries and schools, as well as all non-essential council buildings, and prepared to activate their DGVost emergency response system.
Dumfries and Stranraer courts have been shut too.
NHS Dumfries and Galloway cancelled all outpatient and day surgeries at Galloway Community Hospital in Stranraer, however the
majority of outpatient appointments and planned surgeries at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary are still set to go ahead.
Health bosses said patients will be contacted directly about any cancellations but anyone who does not want to travel is asked to call them.
Power firms were yesterday trying to prepare customers and the network and SP Energy Networks mobilised engineers, vehicles, generators and equipment to where they’re likely to be most needed locally.
Spokesperson Kendal Morris said: “Providing a safe and reliable power supply is a massive team effort all year round, but never more so than during winter and our focus is on ensuring we’re ready to respond as safely and as quickly as possible if the weather affects our customers’ power supplies.”
