Don’t let your trampolines blow away, Network Rail Scotland warns Highland residents amid fears strong overnight winds could spell trouble for train services
Tie down your trampolines and patio furniture, rail chiefs have urged Highland residents ahead of strong winds overnight tonight.
Network Rail Scotland issued the plea after weather forecasts predicted strong winds from midnight - with gusts of 40-445mph “widely” and “up to 55mph expected” in parts of the north.
The plea to ensure garden furniture and outdoor accessories are properly secured follows a period of settled weather for many, which Network Rail Scotland said will have tempted many to “dust off the patio furniture while the sun’s been out” but who may not have made them secure against high winds.
“We’ve just caught up with our weather forecaster ahead of strong winds expected to arrive in Scotland from midnight, which will last until 3pm on Tuesday,” said a spokesperson for Network Rail Scotland. “It’ll be 40-45mph widely across the country, with up to 55mph expected in parts of the north and north-east.
“We’ll also see heavy rain, with the West Highland Line and Kyle Line expected to see up to 30mm tomorrow. With the dry weather we’ve seen over the last few days, it’s unlikely we’ll need to slow trains down, but we’ll be keeping an eye on this.
“One other point about the dry (and sunny) weather, is that we know many will have dusted off the patio furniture while the sun’s been out. If you live next to the railway, we’re asking you to help us keep trains running by securing garden furniture, trampolines etc today.
“Our teams are preparing for the strong winds, with chainsaw teams being readied, and pumps for potential flooding being loaded into vehicles. We’re ready to deal with any debris on the tracks or any fallen trees. We’ll keep you updated over the next 24 hours.”
