Storm Erik blasts Scotland bringing disrupting for commuters

Gales and heavy rain caused by Storm Erik disrupted commuters travelling by road, rail and ferry today.

A total of 20 flood warnings have been issued along the Clyde and Solway coast, and in Tayside.

The alerts, by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, are for where flooding is imminent and “immediate action is required”.

Threatened areas include parts of Renfrew, Dumbarton, Helensburgh and Largs.

A weather warning has been issued for much of the country including parts of Galloway (pictured). Photo: SWNS

The Erskine Bridge over the Clyde and the Skye Bridge were closed to tall vehicles while the Tay Road Bridge was open to cars only.

Flooding or strong winds affected trains on four ScotRail lines while CalMac halted ferry sailings between Gourock and Dunoon.

The operator also cancelled all remaining saiings on the main Arran route between Ardrossan and Brodick.

Friday's weather warning. Picture Met Office

Bute ferries between Wemyss Bay and Rothesay were diverted to Gourock.

Problems on the roads included flooding on the M9 near Stirling.

The official Traffic Scotland information service reported: "Due to flooding affecting driving conditions between Junctions nine and ten, motorists are advised to use caution on approach."

Saturday's weather warning. Picture: MetOffice

High winds closed the rail line between Kilwinning, Ardrossan and Largs, and part of the West Highland line between Craigendoran and Helensburgh.

The ScotRail Alliance earlier reported flooding disruption on the Edinburgh-Glasgow line via Airdrie, between Easterhouse and Garrowhill in Glasgow.

Flooding also delayed trains on the Glasgow-Dumfries line at Stewarton in East Ayrshire and Kirkconnel in Dumfries and Galloway.

The line was later blocked by a fallen tree between Sanquhar and Dumfries.

A yellow - "be aware" - Met Office severe weather warning for strong winds is in force for western Scotland until 6pm today.

The agency said: "A deep area of low pressure will bring windy and often wet weather across much of the UK on Friday and Saturday.

"A period of particularly strong winds will affect Northern Ireland and western Scotland on Friday, with gusts of 50 to 60mph inland and occasionally 70mph along exposed coasts.

"Winds will ease slightly on Friday evening."

A further yellow warning for wind has been issued for the southern half of Scotland including the Central Belt between just after midnight and 3pm tomorrow, with 55-70mph gusts expected.

A separate yellow warning for heavy rain is in force in the Central Highlands from now until 3pm tomorrow, with a flood risk from 30-60mm rain and melting snow.