Perth and Kinross residents are currently facing the brunt of Storm Amy, a powerful weather system that has unleashed heavy rainfall and severe winds across the region. As Friday progresses, gusts have been recorded nearing 100 miles per hour, particularly at exposed locations like the Tay Road Bridge, where conditions are expected to worsen and surpass this threshold. A yellow weather alert for high winds remains in effect until midnight on Saturday, with heavy rain warnings also active until Saturday afternoon, signaling a prolonged period of hazardous weather.
Travel infrastructure across Perthshire and its surrounding areas has already experienced significant upheaval. The vital Tay Road Bridge, a key artery connecting Fife to Dundee, has been fully closed to both vehicles and pedestrians. Commuters relying on rail services between Perth and Inverness have seen their journeys cancelled, while ScotRail has also issued advisories about suspended trains between Stirling, Dunblane, and Alloa for Friday evening, impacting many local travelers. Motorists navigating the region should be aware of a high wind warning currently in place on the Friarton Bridge in Perth, urging extreme caution. Roads Closed and Bridges Restricted Across the Region
Road networks have also been severely affected by the storm’s intensity. The A85 between Crieff and Gilmerton, a crucial route for many in Perthshire, has been closed due to fallen trees, causing diversions and delays. North of Perth, the Destiny Bridge on the Cross Tay Link Road is inaccessible to high-sided vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. Further south, the Forth Road Bridge is now completely shut to all vehicles, and the Queensferry Crossing has restrictions in place for double-decker buses, with projections indicating a full closure if winds reach 100mph. Additionally, the Clackmannanshire and Kincardine bridges have imposed restrictions on high-sided vehicles, emphasizing the widespread nature of the gale-force winds. Even the A92 has seen disruption, with reports of a hay bale obstructing traffic.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has heightened concerns by issuing flood warnings for various localized areas throughout Tayside, Dundee, and Angus, with a strong recommendation for immediate action from residents in affected zones. Within Perth and Kinross, specific areas under alert include the picturesque Glen Lyon, the Carse of Lennoch to Lochlane near Crieff, and the popular tourist destinations along the Upper Tay through Aberfeldy and Grandtully. Further warnings extend to the communities of Crieff to Innerpeffray and Comrie, highlighting potential risks to homes and businesses. Even outside Perth and Kinross, areas like Finavon and Tannadice near the River South Esk, and Aberfoyle Main Street in Stirling, are on high alert.
Beyond Perthshire, Stirlingshire has also been grappling with significant road closures due to numerous fallen trees. Routes such as the A81 at Craigmaddie and the A811 between the Balfron junction and Buchlyvie are currently impassable. Further disruption has been noted on the B8034 at Arnprior and the B837 connecting Balmaha and Milton of Buchanan, as well as the B829 Lochard Road near Aberfoyle, making travel challenging across the county. Utility providers are also feeling the storm’s impact, with SSEN responding to power outages in the Callander area, affecting local households and businesses. Events Cancelled, More Disruption Expected
The adverse weather has also forced the cancellation or suspension of several prominent local events. The prestigious Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, usually a highlight on the golf calendar at Carnoustie, Kingsbarns, and St Andrews, has seen play suspended, disappointing players and spectators alike. Closer to home, The Enchanted Forest, a beloved event near Pitlochry, has cancelled its Friday operations due to the severe forecast, with organisers monitoring the situation for Saturday’s schedule. The popular Faskally Forest parkrun in Pitlochry, a weekly community gathering, also announced its Saturday cancellation shortly after midday on Friday. These cancellations underscore the serious nature of Storm Amy’s grip on the region.
As the region prepares for further challenging conditions overnight on Friday and into Saturday, authorities urge residents to prioritize safety, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay informed through official weather updates. The full extent of Storm Amy’s impact is still unfolding, but local communities are advised to remain vigilant and prepared for continued disruption.
Travel infrastructure across Perthshire and its surrounding areas has already experienced significant upheaval. The vital Tay Road Bridge, a key artery connecting Fife to Dundee, has been fully closed to both vehicles and pedestrians. Commuters relying on rail services between Perth and Inverness have seen their journeys cancelled, while ScotRail has also issued advisories about suspended trains between Stirling, Dunblane, and Alloa for Friday evening, impacting many local travelers. Motorists navigating the region should be aware of a high wind warning currently in place on the Friarton Bridge in Perth, urging extreme caution. Roads Closed and Bridges Restricted Across the Region
Road networks have also been severely affected by the storm’s intensity. The A85 between Crieff and Gilmerton, a crucial route for many in Perthshire, has been closed due to fallen trees, causing diversions and delays. North of Perth, the Destiny Bridge on the Cross Tay Link Road is inaccessible to high-sided vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. Further south, the Forth Road Bridge is now completely shut to all vehicles, and the Queensferry Crossing has restrictions in place for double-decker buses, with projections indicating a full closure if winds reach 100mph. Additionally, the Clackmannanshire and Kincardine bridges have imposed restrictions on high-sided vehicles, emphasizing the widespread nature of the gale-force winds. Even the A92 has seen disruption, with reports of a hay bale obstructing traffic.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has heightened concerns by issuing flood warnings for various localized areas throughout Tayside, Dundee, and Angus, with a strong recommendation for immediate action from residents in affected zones. Within Perth and Kinross, specific areas under alert include the picturesque Glen Lyon, the Carse of Lennoch to Lochlane near Crieff, and the popular tourist destinations along the Upper Tay through Aberfeldy and Grandtully. Further warnings extend to the communities of Crieff to Innerpeffray and Comrie, highlighting potential risks to homes and businesses. Even outside Perth and Kinross, areas like Finavon and Tannadice near the River South Esk, and Aberfoyle Main Street in Stirling, are on high alert.
Beyond Perthshire, Stirlingshire has also been grappling with significant road closures due to numerous fallen trees. Routes such as the A81 at Craigmaddie and the A811 between the Balfron junction and Buchlyvie are currently impassable. Further disruption has been noted on the B8034 at Arnprior and the B837 connecting Balmaha and Milton of Buchanan, as well as the B829 Lochard Road near Aberfoyle, making travel challenging across the county. Utility providers are also feeling the storm’s impact, with SSEN responding to power outages in the Callander area, affecting local households and businesses. Events Cancelled, More Disruption Expected
The adverse weather has also forced the cancellation or suspension of several prominent local events. The prestigious Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, usually a highlight on the golf calendar at Carnoustie, Kingsbarns, and St Andrews, has seen play suspended, disappointing players and spectators alike. Closer to home, The Enchanted Forest, a beloved event near Pitlochry, has cancelled its Friday operations due to the severe forecast, with organisers monitoring the situation for Saturday’s schedule. The popular Faskally Forest parkrun in Pitlochry, a weekly community gathering, also announced its Saturday cancellation shortly after midday on Friday. These cancellations underscore the serious nature of Storm Amy’s grip on the region.
As the region prepares for further challenging conditions overnight on Friday and into Saturday, authorities urge residents to prioritize safety, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay informed through official weather updates. The full extent of Storm Amy’s impact is still unfolding, but local communities are advised to remain vigilant and prepared for continued disruption.