Storm Eowyn is set to disrupt transportation across Greater Glasgow tomorrow, as severe weather warnings prompt local bus and train services to suspend operations. Administrators from First Bus and ScotRail announced the cancellations today, amid expectations of dangerous conditions including wind speeds reaching up to 100mph.
On January 24, 2025, First Bus Scotland will suspend all services across the Greater Glasgow area following strong advisories from local authorities, including Police Scotland and the First Minister. "We’re advising all passengers to follow the advice by not travelling tomorrow,” said Duncan Cameron, Managing Director of First Bus Scotland. He emphasized the company is prioritizing the safety of both passengers and personnel. Bus services are scheduled to begin withdrawals at 8:00 AM to allow all vehicles and staff to return to depots safely.
Cameron continued, “These measures are being implemented to best protect our people and passengers. Services will not resume until after the worst of the weather has passed and routes have been assessed as safe for operations to recommence. Pending the status of the red weather warning, we expect services to gradually be reinstated after approximately 6:00 PM.” For the latest updates, he urged people to check the First Bus website and their social media platforms.
Alongside First Bus, ScotRail has confirmed it will halt train services on the same day. The decision is made in anticipation of the severe weather conditions, acknowledging the dangers posed to both customers and train staff. Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, train operators refuse to compromise on safety, making this unprecedented move to protect their workforce. "It will not be safe to operate passenger services due to the forecast weather conditions across Scotland,” the train company noted.
Stagecoach has issued similar statements, advising passengers of their service suspension due to the same high winds forecast across the central regions, including Glasgow. Their official website states, “Due to Met Office severe weather warnings for Storm Eowyn, bus services operating within red zone areas in Scotland are temporarily suspended on January 24, 2025.”
The Met Office has warned of the dangers connected with Storm Eowyn, with Chief Meteorologist Paul Gundersen stating, “Storm Eowyn is expected to cross Northern Ireland early on Friday morning. It will then continue northeast across the northern half of Scotland during Friday afternoon.” Red weather warnings are issued indicating substantial risk to human life and property, emphasizing the unusual severity of this storm.
Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, Head of Road Policing, has urged the public to heed the warnings. “It is quite unusual to have a red weather warning; public safety is our priority. The best way to stay safe is to stay at home,” she recommended, highlighting the necessity of adhering to guidance as communities prepare for the storm’s effects.
The consequences of Storm Eowyn will stretch beyond transport systems, as local authorities and organizations prepare for power outages and high disruption rates. While weather alerts caution about potential property damage, the safety of individuals within communities remains the primary concern.
Authorities continue to review the situation closely to facilitate informed decisions about transport operations and offer the public appropriate advice. Long-term closures may result depending on the extent of damage once the storm subsides.
With disruptions imminent, transportation companies across Greater Glasgow encourage passengers to stay informed and exercise caution, emphasizing: the most significant action everyone can take right now is to avoid travel altogether until the storm has passed.