UK weather: Storm Pia warning forces schools to shut and ‘do not travel’ advice as delays expected

Storm Pia is expected to cause significant disruption across the UK as “do not travel” advice has been issued, schools have closed and electricians are on standby in case of power cuts.

A yellow weather warning for wind came into effect at midnight and will last until 9pm on Thursday, with gusts of 70mph to 80mph forecast in the far north and northeast of Scotland.

Gusts could reach speeds of 65mph to 70mph on high ground in the north of the warning area – and 45mph to 55mph elsewhere.

The warning also covers Belfast, Newcastle upon Tyne and Manchester, bringing potential travel chaos in the run-up to Christmas.

UK weather latest – the forecast where you are

Police in Northern Ireland also issued a warning of “potential traffic disruption” on the roads caused by fallen trees and debris.

“Please drive slowly to minimise the impact of wind gusts, and also be aware of high-sided vehicles on more exposed roads,” they said.

“If you must travel, please bear the prevailing conditions in mind.”

British Airways has also apologised to customers, having made adjustments to its schedule.

The airline said: “As a result of Air Traffic Control restrictions put in place because of Storm Pia, we have had to make some adjustments to our schedule today. We have apologised to our customers for any disruption to their travel plans and our teams are working hard to get them on their way as quickly as possible.”

It is unclear precisely how many flights are affected, but it is reportedly around 24 short-haul domestic and European flights to and from London Heathrow, The Independent reported.

Meanwhile, on the Scottish island of Shetland, schools will be closed, and more electricity network engineers are being brought in to deal with any power cuts.

Rail travellers urged to plan ahead

Train company TransPennine Express (TPE) issued the “do not travel advice,” asking customers to delay their journeys in and out of Edinburgh until after 3pm due to expected strong winds.

TPE said there will be speed restrictions in place from the early hours for trains running to and from the Scottish capital, and it will not run services between the city and northwest England until the afternoon.

Kathryn O’Brien, customer experience and operations director for TPE, said: “Our number one priority is to keep our customers and colleagues safe, and we will be doing all we can to keep people moving in difficult conditions.

“We are urging anyone travelling across the affected routes to plan ahead, allow extra time, check their journey up until the last minute, and follow the guidance provided.”

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What have other rail companies said?

Network Rail Scotland has suspended services on the West Highland Line (including lines to Oban and Mallaig), Kyle of Lochalsh Line, Far North Line and Inverness to Inverurie service.

It added that many services will only run once safety inspections have taken place, leading to some cancellations.

There are also delays of up to 30 minutes on LNER services between Edinburgh and Newcastle due to speed restrictions.

The operator said trains to and from Inverness will not run, with services instead starting or terminating at Edinburgh.

Northern warns of delays of up to 45 minutes to journeys due to speed restrictions in place on various lines including between Leeds, Manchester Victoria, Halifax, Preston, and Carlisle.

A number of weather related incidents is also causing disruption.

Ferry services across the west coast of Scotland, including Western Ferries and the Corran Ferry, are currently suspended.

The Met Office is also forecasting more rain on Friday.