The Transport Secretary has thanked staff across the road, rail, ferry and aviation sectors for helping to keep Scotland moving during the winter period.
The 23/24 winter presented workers across the transport sector with 11 named storms and prolonged periods of heavy rainfall, as well as significant snowfall and ice impacts in parts of the country:
• Scotland experienced widespread rainfall from the 6-7 October 2023, with 100-150mm falling widely across a swathe of the Southern and Central. This was the wettest two-day period on record for Scotland in a series from 1891.
• Storm Babet brought two separate red warnings for heavy rain from the Met Office from 18-21 October 2023. This saw exceptional rainfall in parts of eastern Scotland with 150-200mm falling in the wettest areas.
• Storm Gerrit brought damaging winds and heavy rain to the UK from 27- 28 December, severely impacting festive travel plans. The strongest gusts on the Scottish mainland hit 86 mph at Inverbervie in Kincardineshire.
With the winter service for the trunk road network formally drawing to a close next month, Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop has praised staff for their efforts:
“I’d like to thank transport workers across all modes for their hard work during some incredibly difficult conditions this past winter. We traditionally think of the issues caused by snow and ice at that time of year, but we’ve also had to deal with the challenges that high winds and heavy rain can bring.
“Storm Babet, which led to the Met Office issuing two separate red weather warnings, brought some of the most challenging conditions we have seen in Scotland in recent years.
“The tireless efforts of our transport workers to help keep Scotland moving during periods of adverse weather are greatly appreciated.
“I’d also like to thank the travelling public for heeding the advice during Met Office weather warnings. Planning your journey ahead of time and following Police Scotland travel advice can make a real difference for you and other travellers during challenging conditions.”Met Office Head of Warnings and Guidance Chris Walsh said:
“Recent months have provided their fair share of impactful weather, with frequent periods of winds and rain resulting in Met Office warnings.
“We’re currently the joint-furthest through our list of storm names since we started naming them in 2015/16, with 11 named by our group so far and some periods of exceptionally wet weather. Met Office warnings provide an authoritative source for impactful weather, and it’s remains crucial that partner organisations and people on the ground use this information to take tangible steps to prepare for severe weather to help people to stay safe.
“We look forward to continuing to work with Transport Scotland to keep things moving safely, whatever the weather, in the coming months.”
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