Police Scotland said the road was now fully open after snow closed it and trapped motorists for hours.
In Drumtocher in the Scottish Highlands, parts of the A9 motorway were closed to traffic as a result of Storm Gerrit, before snow plows were finally able to clear the road.
As the worst of the snowfall saw parts of the A9 closed to traffic, police were urging drivers and passengers to stay in their cars and keep an eye on social media and local radio channels for updates.
Scottish Highlands and Islands Police said on X (formerly Twitter): “The A9 has fully reopened in both directions following a previous closure due to adverse weather conditions.”
“While this road can be traveled with caution, motorists are advised to only travel if essential and to take extra care.”
A train driver narrowly escaped death when the train he was driving collided with a tree.
In X, train drivers’ union Aslef Scotland said the accident involved a train traveling from Dundee to Scotland.
The front of the driver’s vehicle was struck, but the driver was unhurt.
Aslef posted the following: “Shocking incident at #BroughtyFerry. His old HST crashed into a tree.
“The driver responded brilliantly and was shaken but uninjured. We will continue our dialogue with ScotRail about the future of these trains on the railway.”
The incident comes as travelers across Scotland endure disruption, with several major roads closed and all trains north of Perth and Dundee suspended.
About 27,000 homes lost power as strong winds and snow hit power lines. Network operator Scottish and Southern Energy Networks (SSEN) Distribution had reconnected around 8,500 units by 4.30pm on Wednesday.
Approximately 18,500 households remain without power, and SSEN says some may remain without power until Friday.
The town of Cooper, Fife, was flooded and some residents had to be rescued.
A yellow weather warning will be in place for most parts of the north, west and south of Scotland throughout Wednesday.
Bear Scotland, which manages the main roads in the area, sent six plows and three tractors to the scene on the A9.
Torrential rain, flooding and strong winds are also affecting other routes across Scotland.
The Japan Meteorological Agency’s yellow alert remains in effect until midnight, warning of potential dangers such as flooding, flying debris, fallen trees and power lines.
Police say drivers should only drive if absolutely necessary.
The A9 is also closed further south in both directions at Dunkeld, Perth and Kinross.
Rory Stewart, 36, told the Pennsylvania Press Service that he was stuck in his car for more than six hours in poor visibility on the A9 before being turned back.
Mr Stuart, a flood engineer with Perth and Kinross Council based in Dunfermline, Fife, said: Conditions gradually worsened and visibility decreased to about 50 yards.
“We then sat for just over six hours until operatives from Bear Scotland advised that southbound traffic was not allowed and we were then redirected and told to return to our original destination. I was guided.”
“There’s nothing you can really do in a situation that’s completely out of control,” so he said, “We just hope for the best.”
The A90 is closed in both directions at Kinkardrum, Angus, between Forfar and Dundee, and road closures are also in place around Inverurie, Aberdeenshire.
Motorists are advised to use an alternative route.
Inspector Michelle Burns, from Police Scotland’s Road Policing Unit, said: “Amber warnings are in place across the country, which means traveling in affected areas can be dangerous and we urge all road users to requires special attention.”
“The public is encouraged to listen to local radio or follow social media for travel updates.
“During this period of severe weather, there are a number of road closures on major roads and bridge restrictions in place. We recommend that you refer to the Transport Scotland and Met Office websites for ongoing and up-to-date information. To do.”
Bear Scotland said the situation was “extremely difficult”.
James Matheson, 37, had hoped to drive to Edinburgh but was stranded in Cooper, Fife, when both roads leading out of the town where his parents live were closed due to flooding.
A PR consultant told the PA news agency: “This is the worst flooding I have seen in this part of the town in my lifetime and in the 35 years my family has lived here. ” he said.
He said flooding was affecting two areas of the town, adding: [my parents’] The house is on a hill so it’s okay, but there is no access to town. You cannot drive out of Cooper until the flooding subsides.
“Several homes in the area have been damaged and have either been evacuated or are receiving assistance.”
Shortly after 2pm, ScotRail announced that there would be no more trains running north of Dundee or Perth.
In addition, several railway lines were flooded, including Kilwinning to Ardrossan/Largs, Dumfries to Kilmarnock, Ladybank to Dundee, Dalmuir to Balloch/Helensburgh and Paisley to Gouroch/Wemyss Bay.
Earlier, all train services between Edinburgh and Helensburgh Central were canceled after a tree fell and blocked the track in Dumbarton East.
Network Rail said the tree caught fire and affected overhead power lines.
The line reopened just after 11 a.m., but was closed again due to flooding at Bowling.
There has also been disruption to the ferry network, with Northlink services through the Pentland Firth to Orkney being cancelled.
Calmac ferries have also been delayed and suspended across the West Coast. Travelers are encouraged to check to see if the service is operational.
Met Office chief meteorologist Frank Saunders said: “Storm Gerrit will track towards the west of England on Wednesday, potentially impacting large parts of the UK.”
“A further risk from Storm Gerrit is rain, with an active weather front leading to a wet day for many people.
A yellow warning means there is potential for significant disruption to travel, which is being seen across the road and rail network today, with ferry services also affected.
Stein Connelly, Transport Scotland
“Snow could also cause problems in parts of the northern regions. Around 10cm to perhaps 20cm of snow could affect some of the higher routes, and this, coupled with very strong winds, could cause difficulties. travel conditions may occur.
“At lower levels, a combination of heavy rain and very strong winds will prevail.”
Electrical workers continue to restore power to thousands of people.
Scottish Southern Electricity Network (SSEN) said power had been restored to around 25,000 customers as of 9.45pm on Wednesday. Approximately 16,000 homes are currently without power.
It said some customers, particularly in rural areas in north-east Scotland, may have to wait up to 48 hours for power to be restored.
They continue to contact and provide assistance to approximately 50,000 customers.
SSEN said welfare vans offering hot food will be available from 9am on Thursday at Riggs Car Park in Fort Augustus, Finzean Hall in Banchory, Hatton of Fintry in Aberdeenshire and the square in Talland. It is said to become.
Vans will also be appearing at Bellabeg in Strathdon, the public hall on High Street in Sandhaven, Fraserburgh and Aberlour Parish Church Park in Aberlour.
SSEN said it will also announce details of five other locations where food vans will be deployed on Thursday.
SSEN customers are entitled to £30 per person per day for food and drinks if their power is out for more than 12 hours, and this amount can be claimed through the company’s website.
Andy Smith, Director of Operations at SSEN Distribution, said:
“Since early this morning, we have deployed all available resources to respond to the network outage.
“The conditions we encountered during this process were extremely difficult.
“Despite the day’s inclement weather, our teams made good progress and reconnected approximately 25,000 customers, but due to inclement weather and the challenges we faced traveling by road to the affected areas, we were unable to complete all repairs. is expected to take some time.
“Some customers in rural areas with multiple affected areas may be without power until Friday.”
Meanwhile, the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGoRR) met on Wednesday to put in place appropriate measures for the impact of the storm.
Although the worst of the storm has subsided in Scotland, a wind and snow warning remains in place across Shetland until 6am on Thursday, and SEPA has issued a number of flood warnings and warnings across the country.
Angela Constance, Attorney General and Minister for Resilience, who chaired the meeting, said: “Following continued rain, wind and snow across the country, I would like to ask SGoRR to act as quickly and safely as possible. I chaired the meeting.” Reduces the effects of Storm Gerrit.
“We know there are areas across the country where people are without power, and SSEN is working to restore power as much as possible.
She added: “There has already been a lot of disruption across the transport network. It’s good that the incident on the A9 has been resolved and the road has reopened, but people should travel with caution. ”