Following the recent passage of Storm Amy, communities across Perth and Kinross, as well as neighbouring Tayside, Fife, and Stirling, are contending with considerable disruption. The powerful storm brought with it exceptional wind speeds, leading to widespread power interruptions, damaged infrastructure, and the cancellation of several local events, leaving residents to navigate the aftermath over the weekend.
On Friday evening, the Tay Road Bridge recorded astonishing gusts of up to 100mph, underscoring the severity of the weather system. This intense wind activity contributed to a significant number of power outages, plunging hundreds of homes across the region into darkness. Energy providers, including SSEN and Scottish Power, have been diligently working to restore electricity, with SSEN aiming to reconnect most affected areas by 8pm on Sunday evening. Within Perthshire, specific communities such as Meigle, Coupar Angus, areas situated between Stanley and Balbeggie, and locations between Perth and Crieff, have experienced prolonged disruptions to their power supply. Furthermore, a fallen tree in Fowlis not only caused a broadband outage but also brought down crucial phone lines, adding to communication challenges. In Fife, residents in Kilmany, Balmullo, Strathkinnes, near Kettlehill, Glenrothes, Kirkcaldy, and Limekilns are also dealing with ongoing power issues.
The storm’s impact on the road network has been substantial, causing numerous closures and making travel difficult. Perth and Kinross has seen several key routes affected. These include the Loch of Lowes road near Mid House Letter Farm in Dunkeld, the C405 local road close to Campmuir in Coupar Angus, Perth Road in Stanley, Bonhard Road in Scone, and the C453 Bohespic Road, located 200m from the B846. Garry Place in Bankfoot and Bogside Road in Coupar Angus were also closed due to a fallen tree impacting a power line. Beyond Perth and Kinross, parts of the B9127 at Kirkton in Angus (between the A90 and Douglastown), Kirk Wynd in Glamis (towards the A94 junction), and the A928 Dundee Road in Glamis (north of the Primary School) remain inaccessible. Bridge closures and restrictions also continue to affect regional connectivity, with the Forth Road Bridge completely shut, and the Tay Road Bridge operating under a 30mph speed limit, prohibiting double-decker buses. High wind warnings are also in effect for both the Clackmannanshire Bridge and the Kincardine Bridge, advising caution for all drivers. Infrastructure Bears the Brunt of Storm Amy
Local buildings and facilities have not been spared from Storm Amy’s destructive force. In Perth, Bells Sports Centre sustained roof damage, with photographs circulating of debris from the affected structure. Further afield, the Leven Swimming Pool in Fife also suffered significant damage, as sections of its roof were visibly torn off by the high winds. Montrose Football Club appealed for assistance after a portion of its boundary wall at Links Park collapsed, highlighting the widespread nature of the structural damage. Disruption to Events and Ongoing Warnings
The severe weather conditions forced the cancellation of several planned events. In Perth and Kinross, the local council postponed its scheduled floodgates test for Sunday morning. The internationally renowned Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, usually a highlight for golf enthusiasts, was suspended on Saturday, with plans to resume its final day on Sunday morning. Similarly, the popular Enchanted Forest event near Pitlochry, a significant attraction in Perth and Kinross, was cancelled for both Friday and Saturday evenings due to safety concerns. These cancellations underscore the challenges posed by the storm for event organisers and attendees alike.
As cleanup operations commence, a yellow weather warning for wind issued by the Met Office remains active until 12pm on Sunday for the affected areas. Additionally, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has maintained a flood alert for Tayside, advising that a risk of riverine flooding persists. This includes potential impacts such as inundation of roads, properties, and community areas, alongside potential disruptions to travel and critical infrastructure. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and exercise caution as conditions gradually improve.
On Friday evening, the Tay Road Bridge recorded astonishing gusts of up to 100mph, underscoring the severity of the weather system. This intense wind activity contributed to a significant number of power outages, plunging hundreds of homes across the region into darkness. Energy providers, including SSEN and Scottish Power, have been diligently working to restore electricity, with SSEN aiming to reconnect most affected areas by 8pm on Sunday evening. Within Perthshire, specific communities such as Meigle, Coupar Angus, areas situated between Stanley and Balbeggie, and locations between Perth and Crieff, have experienced prolonged disruptions to their power supply. Furthermore, a fallen tree in Fowlis not only caused a broadband outage but also brought down crucial phone lines, adding to communication challenges. In Fife, residents in Kilmany, Balmullo, Strathkinnes, near Kettlehill, Glenrothes, Kirkcaldy, and Limekilns are also dealing with ongoing power issues.
The storm’s impact on the road network has been substantial, causing numerous closures and making travel difficult. Perth and Kinross has seen several key routes affected. These include the Loch of Lowes road near Mid House Letter Farm in Dunkeld, the C405 local road close to Campmuir in Coupar Angus, Perth Road in Stanley, Bonhard Road in Scone, and the C453 Bohespic Road, located 200m from the B846. Garry Place in Bankfoot and Bogside Road in Coupar Angus were also closed due to a fallen tree impacting a power line. Beyond Perth and Kinross, parts of the B9127 at Kirkton in Angus (between the A90 and Douglastown), Kirk Wynd in Glamis (towards the A94 junction), and the A928 Dundee Road in Glamis (north of the Primary School) remain inaccessible. Bridge closures and restrictions also continue to affect regional connectivity, with the Forth Road Bridge completely shut, and the Tay Road Bridge operating under a 30mph speed limit, prohibiting double-decker buses. High wind warnings are also in effect for both the Clackmannanshire Bridge and the Kincardine Bridge, advising caution for all drivers. Infrastructure Bears the Brunt of Storm Amy
Local buildings and facilities have not been spared from Storm Amy’s destructive force. In Perth, Bells Sports Centre sustained roof damage, with photographs circulating of debris from the affected structure. Further afield, the Leven Swimming Pool in Fife also suffered significant damage, as sections of its roof were visibly torn off by the high winds. Montrose Football Club appealed for assistance after a portion of its boundary wall at Links Park collapsed, highlighting the widespread nature of the structural damage. Disruption to Events and Ongoing Warnings
The severe weather conditions forced the cancellation of several planned events. In Perth and Kinross, the local council postponed its scheduled floodgates test for Sunday morning. The internationally renowned Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, usually a highlight for golf enthusiasts, was suspended on Saturday, with plans to resume its final day on Sunday morning. Similarly, the popular Enchanted Forest event near Pitlochry, a significant attraction in Perth and Kinross, was cancelled for both Friday and Saturday evenings due to safety concerns. These cancellations underscore the challenges posed by the storm for event organisers and attendees alike.
As cleanup operations commence, a yellow weather warning for wind issued by the Met Office remains active until 12pm on Sunday for the affected areas. Additionally, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has maintained a flood alert for Tayside, advising that a risk of riverine flooding persists. This includes potential impacts such as inundation of roads, properties, and community areas, alongside potential disruptions to travel and critical infrastructure. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and exercise caution as conditions gradually improve.