Power restored in Dumfries and Galloway after Storm Jocelyn damage

There is widespread disruption to the rail network. Credit: PA

Homes throughout Dumfries and Galloway have been reconnected to the energy network after power was cut off in Storm Jocelyn.

Around 7,000 homes were left without power during the storm while the region also suffered transport disruption.

There are currently around 7,000 homes in Dumfries and Galloway without power.

Guy Jefferson, Chief Operating Officer for SP Energy Networks, said: "The last few days have seen a colossal team effort to tackle the extensive storm damage experienced across our network from Storms Isha and Jocelyn and to support our customers as we worked to get the lights back on safely and quickly.

"We understand the impact of a power cut on our customers and thank them for their support and recognition of the challenging conditions facing our teams as they worked round the clock to restore supplies. In some areas, trees were literally falling around them while they battled the elements to get the job done.

“While we've now seen the last of Isha and Jocelyn and we are back to business as usual, we fully expect there will be more storms to come and our teams will continue to be at the ready."

Engineers in Cumbria have restored power to more than 78,000 homes after falling trees, debris and branches caused almost 200 separate sites of damage to the network.


ScotRail cancelled all services from 7pm on Tuesday 23 January and did not run any services during rush hour on Wednesday morning.

Some ScotRail services are starting to operate again although there has been no update provided regarding the Dumfries to Carlisle line.

All services to and from Dumfries towards Carlisle this morning are still showing as cancelled.

There is still widespread disruption to ScotRail services. Credit: PA

On social media ScotRail said: "All routes will need to be checked for damage in daylight this morning before services can resume.

"We'll share information as and when lines have reopened, but we can't predict when this will be."

Network Rail Scotland issue an update shortly after 10am stating that they had reopened the West Coast Mainline meaning services can resume between Carlisle and Glasgow.

Northern Rail issue an update this morning stating that a fallen tree is blocking the railway line between Carlisle and Maryport.

Northern are advising customers to board TransPennine Express services from Carlisle to Lancaster and to get a Northern train from there.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “Early this morning a freight train hit a fallen tree at low speed on the Cumbrian coast. We had precautionary speed restrictions in place due to storm Jocelyn and thankfully the driver wasn’t injured.

"We immediately closed the line and sent a team to assess the damage. Trains have been starting and terminating at Maryport and Workington this morning and normal operation resumed at 11:30am. Thanks to passengers for their patience while we arranged for tree removal and the safe recovery of the train. ”


What about the roads?

In Cumbria the A66 remains closed to all vehicles following the damage cause by the storms.

The road is closed in both directions between the A67 near Bowes and A685 near Brough.

There was also a hole spotted in a road near to Caldbeck.

There has been disruption seen to the road network in Cumbria. Credit: ITV

What about schools?

There are numerous schools closed in Dumfries and Galloway.

Dumfries and Galloway Council released this list of schools closed in the region:

  • Belmont School

  • Castle Kennedy School

  • Dalry Primary School

  • Dalry Secondary School

  • Drummore School

  • Kells School

  • Kirkcolm School

  • Langholm Academy

  • Langholm Primary School

  • Leswalt School

  • Noblehill School

  • Park School

  • Portpatrick School

  • Rephad School

  • Sandhead School

  • Shuechan School

  • St Joseph's RC School

  • Stranraer Academy


Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know...