Dumfries & Galloway Virtual Operations Support Team

LATEST UPDATE - STORM DEIDRE
The Amber Warning for Ice and Snow across southern Scotland will be cancelled shortly. The worst of the rain, snow and sleet is believed to have passed.
We continue to deal with the disruption caused by the weather, however, we are dealing with incidents as they are reported. We know from previous deployments, demand for information overnight drops dramatically.
... The bunker will stand down at 10pm tonight and will NOT resume tomorrow. It’s important to note that the Yellow Warning for Snow and Ice will remain in place, across much of mainland Scotland and this is valid until 0900 on Sunday.
As always, thank you for sharing information with the team today.
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UPDATE:A701 reopened this morning.
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The latest pictures from the traffic cameras across the region.
... The A701 remains closed between Beattock and St Anne's Bridge due to several RTC's. We continue to advise drivers there is a HIGH RISK OF DISRUPTION FOR ROAD JOURNEYS across the region.
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POWER DISRUPTION
We are aware of various towns, including parts of Moffat and Dunragit, are without power.
All power cuts should be reported direct to Scottish Power by calling 105. If you have power at the moment, be aware there may be some disruption to supplies as the weather worsens.

SNOW NOW AFFECTING REGION's ROADS
Upper Stewartry, Nithsdale and Annandale and Eskdale now all being affected by the snow. We are dealing with multiple crashes as a result.
If you do travel, you are likely to experience significant delays.
... Send us pictures of what is like where you are and help us build up a better picture of the region.
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ROAD FLOODING
Lots of water affecting the A77 and A75 in the west of the region. All roads remain passable with care, however, parts of the A77 at Cairnryan are down to one lane.
The A716 Drummore coastal road has been CLOSED due to coastal flooding.
... If you do travel, you are likely to experience significant delays.
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SURFACE WATER - TRAVEL DISRUPTION
Lots of water about on the region's roads. The worst of the flooding is in the West of the region, particularly near Gatehouse of Fleet, Newton Stewart and Glenluce.
Try to avoid standing water if you can. Don't drive into flood water that’s moving or more than 10cm (4 inches) deep. Test your brakes as soon as you can afterwards and remember flood water can hide damage to the road or debris that can damage your vehicle.

UPDATE: ROADWAY IS NOW OPEN
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ROAD CLOSED - A713
... The A713 north of Carsphairn has now been closed due to a tree has fallen down on a power line in Ayrshire.
We have closed the road on our side of the border at their request. Likely to be closed for some time.
Travelling conditions on the A75 are also described as poor between Kirkcudbright and Stranraer.
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UPDATE - ROAD NOW OPEN
First tree down on the B7085 just outside Port William. Police on scene and Council attending to clear.
Staff reporting conditions are now becoming progressively worse. Latest update from MET Office is freezing rain is now only expected to affect east of the region and M74.
... Snow is still expected later this afternoon. If you do travel, you are likely to experience significant delays.
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⌚ 12:30 - UPDATE: NO MAJOR ISSUES
It's chucking it down across most of the region now. We expect the rain to cause difficult driving conditions over the next few hours. This will then be replaced with SNOW.
It is anticipated most of Dumfries and Galloway will see snow later tonight.
... A flood alert is also in place for a the Solway particularly affecting south east facing coastlines.
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AMBER WARNING FOR SNOW NOW ISSUED
As well as the anticipated freezing rain expected around lunchtime today, the MET Office have now issued an Amber warning for SNOW.
The snow is expected to arrive around 3 pm TODAY.
... Police Scotland are continuing to warn of HIGH RISK OF DISRUPTION FOR ROAD JOURNEYS in all areas of Dumfries and Galloway.
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DGVOST NOW ACTIVE
The team behind the DGVOST have now deployed and are working within the Councils Operations bunker.
The team are deployed following an Amber Weather warning for ICE which is expected to hit the region around lunchtime today (15th December).
... Police Scotland are warning of HIGH RISK OF DISRUPTION FOR ROAD JOURNEYS in all areas of Dumfries and Galloway.
Follow and share the messages from this account to stay up to date.
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MAJOR INCIDENT ENDED
Storm Ali brought turmoil to the region today and placed massive demand on those responsible for delivering services across Dumfries and Galloway.
The Local Resilience Partnership agreed to deploy DGVOST in readiness for the anticipated disruption. The team managed the deployment of resources to the priority incidents which included trees falling on cars, buildings suffering structural damaged and electricity lines downed.
... The massive demand right across the region, saw resources stretched and a major incident declared.
We have now returned to a level of normality and will deal with incidents within normal operational arrangements. Our teams will work till last light tonight (it's not safe to chainsaw trees in the dark) and return in the morning. All major routes have been reopened.
Scottish Power Energy Networks will continue to work this evening to restore power to those affected. Anyone without power should contact Scottish Power direct on 105 for further information.
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TRAVEL UPDATE - STORM ALI
All major roads in the West of the region (Stewartry - Stranraer) have been cleared of fallen trees. Scottish Power continue their work to reconnect power supplies in the area.
We will continue to work in Nithsdale / Annandale & Eskdale until last light tonight and start again first thing in the morning.
... The A709 at Lochmaben has now reopened.
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CLEAR UP ON GOING - TRAVEL REMAINS DISRUPTED
We are continuing to clear the roads of fallen trees, downed power lines and debris, however further incidents continue to be reported right across the region. We have dozens of jobs still on our list of incidents that require actioned. Please take your time if out on the regions roads and expect debris across the roads

MAJOR INCIDENT - SCHOOLS UPDATE
Dumfries and Galloway is currently experiencing a major incident due to the weather. This means there is a serious risk to life.
We will continue to keep you updated however it is likely that, in order to keep pupils safe, we will not be allowing children to walk home from school at the end of the school day.
... Staff will remain in school to supervise pupils at the end of the school day until they can be collected (up until 5pm).
We are asking parents to collect their children in vehicles where possible or wait until the wind calms down.
A number of people have already been injured by flying debris today and a number of streets and roads are closed due to power cables down.
-SCHOOL BUSES -- All school bus operators have decided to suspend their services until 5pm. If your child normally gets the bus home, they will be sent home at on the bus at 5pm once the AMBER warning has past.
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UPDATE - A76 HAS REOPENED
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A710 Dumfries to Southerness is blocked by numerous trees falling. Police officers reporting tress falling around them as they attempt to clear route, clearly very dangerous.
... Newton Stewart High Street is closed due to objects flying off roofs. As is most of Dumfries town center - avoid these areas.
Traffic lights across the region are also reportedly out due to numerous power cuts. Avoid this route and if possible postpone your travel plans if possible.
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MAJOR INCIDENT DECLARED
A major incident has now been declared in Dumfries and Galloway due to Storm Ali. The region has seen significant disruption due to the high winds.
Due to the number of incidents currently being reported to Police Scotland and Dumfries and Galloway Council and the threat to life these incidents present, the decision has been made to call a major incident.
... Right across the region we have numerous roads blocked, significant structural damage to several buildings, power cuts and this in turn has placed a huge demand on all services.
We are now advising drivers to delay their journeys where possible.
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STORM ALI - POWER CUTS
We’ve been told that there are a number of towns in the region currently without power including Newton Stewart, Kelloholm and Monreith.
We will keep you updated if we are told of any further power outages due to the weather today.
... Anyone experiencing any problems with their power should contact Scottish Power directly on 105.
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The high winds are bringing trees down right across the region. We have people who are becoming stuck on roads as tree's fall in front of them and then behind them blocking their vehicles in the middle.
If you can delay your journey until later in the day it may well be worth considering this.

Whoever thought of the idea to provide this service deserves an award.



What a brilliant service providing updates necessary to keep us all safe. I think all regions across the UK would benefit greatly from having a service as informative as this.



Keep up the much appreciated good work guys.

This service has been invaluable keeping us all up to date.Thankyou to the team a job very well done

This page has been an amazing comfort to me this week. I travel for my work as a nurse to Lockerbie daily, keeping me updated as to what the road conditions are like has been invaluable. Thankyou to our emergency services and road gritters who have battled with the elements to try and keep us moving. Stay warm stay safe. ����

This page has been absolute amazing. I work as a line manager for a care company out on the community and helped us travel to where we need to get too

The service that the D&GVOST provides to the people of Dumfries & Galloway is invaluable during times of extreme weather. I followed the page during the recent snow in our area and think the VOST is an extremely useful resource using multiagency partners which keeps people safe. Responses were swift and the ‘live’ updates excellent. A huge amount of praise for the innovative thinking behind this service and should be ‘rolled out’ nationally.

Just so helpful to have live and up to date information. The response to questions is quick and concise and it helps me make decisions about travel plans. Thank you.

It's great to have this site offering live updates, invaluable. Great idea and really appreciate it, thank you

Invaluable for keeping people up to date. The first place we turn for information.

Im on the haugh-lockfoot road,this site has been great. Roads been blocked since wed due to drifting. For this area the website and links are great info providers in live time. Well done team

I could not be without this indeed, I hope many other councils will consider offering the communities this important new service. Social media helps to keep us informed. Many Thanks

Great service kept me upto date as to whether I should venture the drive to Dumfries hospital or not given the advice decided not to risk it THANKS to you all

Glad I’ve come across this site ! Great informative and regular updates it’s helped me out loads �

Fantastic service, you provide great up to date information to everyone. I wouldn't have made a decision to gather work and work from home warly Wednesday morning if it hadnt benn for your updates. I was safe at home during the bad conditions and didnt need to make the commute between Annan and Dumfries. A huge thank you to you all�

Brilliant site keeping D&G at forefront of services. Much appreciated and thanks to all involved. Minute by minute updates excellent due to quick changing conditions

Brilliant service and info when we need it. Keep up the great work x

Best thing about this page is that it's as its happening information. Stopped me from taking a risk driving from thornhill to dumfries on Tuesday. Thanks again for all the hard work and information from all involved

Best page for up to date info and advice on roads etc. Keep up the great work.

Absolutely brilliant up to date real time information via social media and DG Police page . Well done to all who were involved �

A great service which has been invaluable during incidents such as the snow. Live updates and information has been brilliant!

Whoever thought of the idea to provide this service deserves an award.



What a brilliant service providing updates necessary to keep us all safe. I think all regions across the UK would benefit greatly from having a service as informative as this.



Keep up the much appreciated good work guys.

This service has been invaluable keeping us all up to date.Thankyou to the team a job very well done

This page has been an amazing comfort to me this week. I travel for my work as a nurse to Lockerbie daily, keeping me updated as to what the road conditions are like has been invaluable. Thankyou to our emergency services and road gritters who have battled with the elements to try and keep us moving. Stay warm stay safe. ����

This page has been absolute amazing. I work as a line manager for a care company out on the community and helped us travel to where we need to get too

The service that the D&GVOST provides to the people of Dumfries & Galloway is invaluable during times of extreme weather. I followed the page during the recent snow in our area and think the VOST is an extremely useful resource using multiagency partners which keeps people safe. Responses were swift and the ‘live’ updates excellent. A huge amount of praise for the innovative thinking behind this service and should be ‘rolled out’ nationally.

Just so helpful to have live and up to date information. The response to questions is quick and concise and it helps me make decisions about travel plans. Thank you.

It's great to have this site offering live updates, invaluable. Great idea and really appreciate it, thank you

Invaluable for keeping people up to date. The first place we turn for information.

Im on the haugh-lockfoot road,this site has been great. Roads been blocked since wed due to drifting. For this area the website and links are great info providers in live time. Well done team

I could not be without this indeed, I hope many other councils will consider offering the communities this important new service. Social media helps to keep us informed. Many Thanks

Great service kept me upto date as to whether I should venture the drive to Dumfries hospital or not given the advice decided not to risk it THANKS to you all

Glad I’ve come across this site ! Great informative and regular updates it’s helped me out loads �

Fantastic service, you provide great up to date information to everyone. I wouldn't have made a decision to gather work and work from home warly Wednesday morning if it hadnt benn for your updates. I was safe at home during the bad conditions and didnt need to make the commute between Annan and Dumfries. A huge thank you to you all�

Brilliant site keeping D&G at forefront of services. Much appreciated and thanks to all involved. Minute by minute updates excellent due to quick changing conditions

Brilliant service and info when we need it. Keep up the great work x

Best thing about this page is that it's as its happening information. Stopped me from taking a risk driving from thornhill to dumfries on Tuesday. Thanks again for all the hard work and information from all involved

Best page for up to date info and advice on roads etc. Keep up the great work.

Absolutely brilliant up to date real time information via social media and DG Police page . Well done to all who were involved �

A great service which has been invaluable during incidents such as the snow. Live updates and information has been brilliant!

Whoever thought of the idea to provide this service deserves an award.



What a brilliant service providing updates necessary to keep us all safe. I think all regions across the UK would benefit greatly from having a service as informative as this.



Keep up the much appreciated good work guys.

This service has been invaluable keeping us all up to date.Thankyou to the team a job very well done

This page has been an amazing comfort to me this week. I travel for my work as a nurse to Lockerbie daily, keeping me updated as to what the road conditions are like has been invaluable. Thankyou to our emergency services and road gritters who have battled with the elements to try and keep us moving. Stay warm stay safe. ����

This page has been absolute amazing. I work as a line manager for a care company out on the community and helped us travel to where we need to get too

The service that the D&GVOST provides to the people of Dumfries & Galloway is invaluable during times of extreme weather. I followed the page during the recent snow in our area and think the VOST is an extremely useful resource using multiagency partners which keeps people safe. Responses were swift and the ‘live’ updates excellent. A huge amount of praise for the innovative thinking behind this service and should be ‘rolled out’ nationally.

Just so helpful to have live and up to date information. The response to questions is quick and concise and it helps me make decisions about travel plans. Thank you.

It's great to have this site offering live updates, invaluable. Great idea and really appreciate it, thank you

Invaluable for keeping people up to date. The first place we turn for information.

Im on the haugh-lockfoot road,this site has been great. Roads been blocked since wed due to drifting. For this area the website and links are great info providers in live time. Well done team

I could not be without this indeed, I hope many other councils will consider offering the communities this important new service. Social media helps to keep us informed. Many Thanks

Great service kept me upto date as to whether I should venture the drive to Dumfries hospital or not given the advice decided not to risk it THANKS to you all

Glad I’ve come across this site ! Great informative and regular updates it’s helped me out loads �

Fantastic service, you provide great up to date information to everyone. I wouldn't have made a decision to gather work and work from home warly Wednesday morning if it hadnt benn for your updates. I was safe at home during the bad conditions and didnt need to make the commute between Annan and Dumfries. A huge thank you to you all�

Brilliant site keeping D&G at forefront of services. Much appreciated and thanks to all involved. Minute by minute updates excellent due to quick changing conditions

Brilliant service and info when we need it. Keep up the great work x

Best thing about this page is that it's as its happening information. Stopped me from taking a risk driving from thornhill to dumfries on Tuesday. Thanks again for all the hard work and information from all involved

Best page for up to date info and advice on roads etc. Keep up the great work.

Absolutely brilliant up to date real time information via social media and DG Police page . Well done to all who were involved �

A great service which has been invaluable during incidents such as the snow. Live updates and information has been brilliant!