Rail services across Scotland to end early due to Storm Floris
Network Rail confirmed that it will be closing railway lines in the west and north of the country from noon on Monday.
Storm Floris will bring unseasonably strong and disruptive winds to much of Scotland during Monday, The Met Office said.
Gusts could reach 85mph on exposed coasts or hills.
The amber warning - lasting from 10am to 10pm on Monday - means that some damage to trees and buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, is expected.
There could also be power cuts with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage.
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In a statement on the warning, Police Scotland said: "The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for much of Scotland for Storm Floris on Monday.
"There is a high risk of disruption and travel conditions may be hazardous. Extra caution should be taken by all road users. Plan ahead and avoid unnecessary travel. Consider delaying travel until conditions improve. If you are travelling on the roads, prepare yourself and your vehicle for the conditions."
Rail services will be withdrawn on several lines, including the West Highland Line, all routes north of Perth and in Fife from noon on Monday.
All other routes will see a reduced timetable and longer journey times, as trains will be limited to a maximum speed of 50mph from 9am for safety reasons.
Network Rail said that once the storm has passed, engineers will need to inspect the closed lines for any damage, with passengers being advised that services will start later on Tuesday across affected routes.
Network Rail Scotland's helicopter will also "assist teams on the ground to complete essential checks across the network as quickly as possible".
Ross Moran, Network Rail Scotland route director, said: 'With the severity of Storm Floris becoming clear, our priority is the safety of our passengers and colleagues. That is why we've taken the decision to close some parts of Scotland's Railway early on Monday as the worst of the conditions hit the country.
'Our engineers will also need to thoroughly inspect the network for any damage before we reopen the lines and restart train services on Tuesday morning. 'Weather specialists, based in our control room, will monitor conditions closely throughout the storm, and our teams on the ground will be ready to deal with any issues caused by the weather as quickly as possible. We appreciate passengers' patience while we get through this unprecedented summer storm.' Mark Ilderton, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said: 'The Met Office amber weather warnings for very high winds across the country will impact rail services on Monday. 'We recognise the impact that the withdrawal and alteration of train services will have on customers, but our first priority is always to ensure the safety of staff and passengers – and this is a necessary step to ensure everyone's safety. 'We will update our website, mobile app, and social media feeds with the latest travel advice, and customers should check their journey before travelling.'
Passengers should check their journey before travelling with National Rail or their train operator.
Lines which will close from noon on Monday, 4 August
Edinburgh – Fife/Perth/Dundee
Perth – Dundee/Aberdeen/Inverness
Dunblane - Perth
Inverness – Aberdeen/Wick/Thurso/Kyle of Lochalsh
West Highland Line (Helensburgh Upper – Oban, Fort William and Mallaig)
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