Road and rail issues after stormy weekend – peak gust of 74.8mph reported in Wick

Issues with fallen trees have been reported around parts of Caithness after the weekend storm and railway services were suspended earlier today.

After Scotland's rail operator announced it had suspended services while the Inverness to Wick/Thurso line was cleared of debris and fallen trees, Highland Council said it had been working with multi-agency partners over the weekend to respond to the impacts of Storm Malik and Storm Corrie.

A bulletin posted just after noon today stated: "Highland Council roads teams have been working hard to clear numerous fallen trees and debris affecting local roads. The public are urged to take extra care when travelling today and over the next few days due to many routes being affected by debris from the high winds."

Wick weather watcher Keith Banks sent a report to the paper stating: "Checking my records for wind, the gust of 74.8mph on Wednesday evening was in fact the strongest we've had here in Wick since the afternoon of 7 January 2019 when a north-westerly gale gusted up to 76mph.

"Mean wind velocities from a west-westerly direction reached severe gale force 9 here in Wick on Saturday, with a peak gust of 74.8mph occurring during the morning. There were lots of gusts in the storm 10 and violent storm 11 categories during the event."

The council’s emergency out of hours response was extremely busy and the public is reminded of the council’s emergency out of hours phone numbers at www.highland.gov.uk/contactus and other emergency information and advice at its ready for winter page www.highland.gov.uk/readyforwinter

Following the high winds forecast and experienced this weekend due to Storm Malik and Storm Corrie, The Highland Council is encouraging landowners to urgently check trees and vegetation near to public roads which may have been damaged and causing a danger or obstruction.

Colin Howell, Highland Council’s head of roads and infrastructure said: “Damaged trees and vegetation can cause potential hazards to road users by obstructing the passage of vehicles and pedestrians. The council is particularly concerned where weakened or damaged branches could subsequently fall on vehicles or pedestrians.”

Under Section 91 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 the council may serve notice on landowners requiring them to take action to remove hazardous or obstructive vegetation. In extreme cases, where there is an imminent danger to the public the council will take action and landowners will be liable for the cost.

If you are affected by falling trees, communities can get advice and guidance on this matter by calling the Council’s Service Centre on 01349 886601.

The council's road condition report for Caithness issued this morning stated: "Wintry showers this morning, some high routes a dusting snow on them, snow showers continuing for most of the morning period, all routes being treated. No storm issues reported."With overnight drops in temperature, winter gritting also continues today. Maps of the Council’s gritting routes by priority and policy are available online at https://www.highland.gov.uk/gritting

Related news:

Wintry showers with ice on roads today and strong winds on Tuesday may lead to some disruption

Storms disrupt far north railway line – services currently suspended

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