Transport Companies Clear Backlog After the Storm

Submitted by edg on Tue, 3 Jan '12 9.10pm

More wind is being forecast, although less than the gusts of up to 102mph that were recorded today at Edinburgh's Blackford Hill and which caused the Met Office to put the country on red alert, its highest level weather warning.

The Met Office has, however, issued a yellow warning of rain for tomorrow:

"Another spell of wet and windy weather will affect the UK during Wednesday. The public should be aware that heavy rain, accompanied by strong winds, may lead to localised flooding in western areas."

Today's gale force winds caused Edinburgh Waverley, the Forth Road Bridge, and Edinburgh Airport to close until the afternoon.

The storm uprooted trees and sent unattached objects flying (as you can see in this video of a Leith Walk wheelie bin).

A limited train service (see updates) is in operation and passengers travelling from Edinburgh Airport are being advised to check with their airlines on the status of their flights before travelling to the airport.

The Forth Road Bridge is now open to all vehicles, with a speed restriction in place.

More weather

Seems the Botanic Gardens were pretty hard hit by the storm - lost 34 trees, with many more "requiring further investigation and work." Last Friday, it replaced the glass on its research block and has had to replace the glass and repair the Peat, Rock and Front Range Glasshouses.

The temperate and tropical palm houses have been open this week though.