Most rail routes in Scotland suspended as Storm Gerrit batters the UK

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. open image in gallery The railway line at Bowling station, West Dunbartonshire, was completely submerged While power had been restored to 8,500 of the 27,000 properties across Scotland which suffered power cuts, according to Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, the company warned that some of the 18,500 properties still cut off at 4.30pm could face two days without power. And thousands saw their travel plans cast into disarray, as the storm knocked out ferry services and major rail and road arteries, with huge crowds left stranded at London King’s Cross after the East Coast main line to Edinburgh was flooded, blocking travel beyond Newcastle. open image in gallery The tracks at Bowling train station were completely submerged by floodwaters At 4pm, with cross-border rail travel already halted, ScotRail announced it was suspending all services north of Perth and Dundee, with trains already on the move ordered to return to stations – suspending rail travel across most of the country. Throughout the day, crews have rescued a number of residents who became trapped due to rising floodwaters, via boat or other means.” open image in gallery Dogs were carried to safety in Cupar as floodwaters submerged parts of the Fife town While residents in 25 locations across Scotland, England and Wales were told to expect flooding on Wednesday, lesser flood alerts were also issued in a further 186 areas.