Scotland storm blackout hitting thousands

[dipsydoodle]

Police have told people in Scotland not to travel, as severe winds of up to 130mph are battering the country, leaving thousands without power.

As the Met Office issued its highest warning, a red alert, hundreds of schools have shut and bridge and road closures are causing disruption.

England, Wales and Northern Ireland are also being hit by wind and rain.

Police in Strathclyde, Dumfries and Galloway, Central Scotland and Lothian and Borders advised against all travel.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-16079849

[T_i_B]

1. Have a look at the last of these pictures.

Must be really bad to do that to a wind turbine!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-16094360

[dipsydoodle]

2. Amazing isn't it.

I think I recall reading that those gear boxes are the actually weakest part of those wind turbines - strain on them must be phenomenal.

Although it was a bit breezy down south it lifted the air temperature which made it feel quite mild compared with the past few days especially tonight. Looks like its going downhill again at the weekend though. :(

[MellonCollie]

3. The UK might be getting hit twice this week

Tuesday and Friday. Have a read: http://forum.netweather.tv/topic/71866-atlantic-storms-12th-december-2011-onwards/

The one on Friday's shaping up to be very nasty indeed.

[dipsydoodle]

4. Yes indeed

They mentioned last night on the weather forecast that its difficult to predict where it affect until its path is better known - either up the channel or across the Cotswolds.