Almost 8000 homes across Scotland were still without power shortly before lunch on Thursday & some may have to wait up to 48 hours to be reconnected.
The teams working tirelessly to clear a major Highland trunk road of fallen trees have released pictures highlighting the scale of the task they face.
Fergus Ewing has contacted transport minister Fiona Hyslop in response to a number of questions Highlanders have raised over the emergency's handling.
Dramatic pictures highlighting the impact Storm Gerrit is having on the Highlands' road network have been released by Bear Scotland.
In an update at 4.15pm, Traffic Scotland said disruption was "easing" following recovery of the vehicles from the crash scene near Blair Atholl.
Traffic Scotland has advised drivers to use alternate routes following the crash near the House of Bruar.
Gales force winds up to 80mph are set to batter parts of the Highlands after the Met Office issued a yellow alert ahead of Storm Gerrit.
The new Met Office warnings cover Boxing Day morning and much of December 27.
Speed restrictions will be in force on all Highland lines until 9am on Christmas Eve amid ongoing Met Office weather warnings.
The alert for wind is one of two new warnings issued. Heavy rain is also being forecast on Saturday, with the gales on Sunday into Christmas Day.
Traffic is moving again following an earlier closure caused by a lorry fire south of Blair Atholl.
The Met Office is forecasting up to 15cm in parts of the Highlands overnight Friday into Saturday as people prepare to travel for Christmas.
The incident occurred between Blair Atholl and Killiecrankie, with Traffic Scotland warning that the road is disrupted in both directions.
Services will be suspended on Thursday on the Far North and Kyle lines, as well as between Inverness and Inverurie.
The forecaster is predicting wintry showers and colder temperatures in the north as this weekend gives way to Christmas Day.
Sofas and other upholstered furniture will soon no longer be accepted from early in the new year
Highland rail passengers have been warned to expect possible disruption after speed restrictions were announced following an amber weather alert.
Torrential rain could bring up to 200mm of precipitation this weekend and may trigger landslides, the Met Office has warned.
Some of the annual passenger numbers are barely reaching three digits
Police have urged Highland residents to be on the alert after the force received reports from locals who had received scam callers.
