In the aftermath of Storm Otto, thousands of people in northern Scotland endured a night without electricity.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) reported that its workers reconnected more than 41,000 customers, but as of 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, approximately 2,500 customers remained without power.
It anticipates restoring electricity to the majority of customers throughout the day, but not to everyone by Sunday evening.
In the worst-affected regions, mobile food trucks serve hot food and beverages.
The regions affected by the power outages include portions of Oyne, Banff, Methlick, Insch, Turriff, Belhelvie, Kennethmont, Gartly, Wardhouse, Huntly, Ellon, Glemick, and Fyvie, among others.
Storm Otto, the first named storm of the season, brought down trees and damaged vehicles and buildings.
In several locations, wind speeds over 80 mph were recorded, while on Cairngorm mountain, gusts hit 120 mph.
Trains, buses, and ferries in Aberdeenshire were delayed or canceled due to trees obstructing numerous routes.
In reaction to the storm and power outages, SSEN Distribution added 750 employees.
Mark Rough, head of operations for SSEN Distribution, stated that the damage to the electricity network was extensive.
“Late last night and early this morning, our teams made additional headway in restoring power to the remaining customers affected by the effects of Storm Otto.
“Having now evaluated the majority of remaining faults, we are confident that the majority of impacted customers will have their power restored today, with the remainder expected to be restored by tomorrow evening at the latest.
“We continue to work closely with our resilience partners to support our customers as needed. Especially those on our priority services register. We urge anyone who may require extra assistance to contact our dedicated teams via the power outage helpline, 105.”
Saturday at 9:00 a.m., a Met Office yellow warning for snow and ice in certain areas of Scotland, primarily on higher routes in the north, expired.
Friday at 7:45 a.m., Kenny McKenzie lost electricity outside his home in Mintlaw, Aberdeenshire, due to a fallen tree.
“With no communication, no internet, and no cell phone, everything ceased to function,” he said.
Because one of our neighbors has a gas stove, she brought us a thermos of coffee in the morning, which was a pleasant surprise.
“Hopefully, we’re heading to Fraserburgh because the power is on there, so we’ll wait to see if there’s a bus. However, it appears that the buses have also stopped, and no one seems to know why.”
Any customer who has been without sustenance for more than 12 hours is eligible to receive up to £30 per day. Customers should retain their receipts.
On Friday, Aberdeenshire, Highland, and Moray institutions were closed.
Angus Council declared Burnside Primary School unsafe for pupils and staff due to roof damage.
When school resumes on the 22nd of February after the midterm holiday, P1-P7 students will have access to distance learning.
The North East Scotland College in Aberdeen also ceased operations due to ceiling damage.
Weather reported winds of 83 mph in Inverbervie, Aberdeenshire, 80 mph in Lossiemouth, Moray, and Tain, Highlands, and 80 mph in Lossiemouth, Moray, and Tain, Highlands.
The storm was given the moniker Otto by the Danish Meteorological Office. The Met Office in the United Kingdom has taken the same name.
It is the first designated storm to strike the United Kingdom since Franklin in February of last year.
For severe weather preparedness, the Met Office names storms from September to September.
