Storm Floris made for a challenging couple of days across the North West Unit, bringing high winds and disruption across several key routes. A demanding day saw our Control Room busy throughout, monitoring the network, engaging with stakeholders, and dealing with requests for assistance.

Our teams responded to over 50 issues throughout the day and into the night, ranging from fallen trees blocking roads to vehicles that had been blown over.

Despite the volume of incidents, only four closures were required. On Skye, the A87 was closed while our Incident Support Unit (ISU) attended a caravan which had been blown over in the strong winds. Meanwhile, gusts reached a high of 101.3mph at Dornoch Bridge meaning it had to close in the afternoon.

Further south, the A82 at Ardvorlich, Loch Lomond was impacted by fallen trees. Our Incident Support Unit and landscape teams were deployed to begin clearing the debris to get the road open as soon as possible.  On the A9 at Birnam, overhead cables came down temporarily closing a section of the trunk road.

Thanks to the incredible efforts of our teams, disruption was kept to a minimum and the network remained as safe and operational as possible throughout the storm.

Ian Wilson, BEAR Scotland’s North West Severe Weather Manager, said: “Storm Floris posed a significant challenge across our network, with strong winds and tough conditions impacting the region. Our teams are well trained and fully equipped to respond quickly and effectively, always prioritising safety.

“We worked hard to clear trees that were partially blocking the roads and, where closures were necessary, ensured that key routes were reopened as soon as it was safe to do so. Our teams understand how important these routes are to local communities, and we’re committed to restoring normality as quickly as possible while keeping everyone safe.”