Freezing Shetland Left in the Dark as Power Cuts Bite
Temperatures plunged to a chilling -1°C in Shetland, forcing families to spend shivery nights trying to stay warm. As of 5.30pm, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) revealed 2,800 households across Voe, Whalsay, Brae, Yell, and the West Mainland remain powerless. Engineers warn full power restoration could drag on until the end of the week.
Snow and Ice Wreak Havoc on Power Lines
Heavy snow and freezing ice have caused “extensive damage” to overhead cables, hampering repair efforts. The bitter cold is making it even more treacherous for engineers trying to reach affected areas.
Keith Brown, the government’s lead minister for resilience, didn’t sugarcoat it. “It’s clear many properties will be without power for days,” he said. He urged residents to stay indoors, find ways to keep warm, check on neighbours, and keep up with local radio or social media for the latest updates.
Shetland’s Power Crisis Amid Record-Breaking Cold
Shetland has been battered by severe weather for days, with crews working around the clock since dawn to reconnect homes. Mark Macdonald, head of SSEN Distribution in the region, confirmed roughly 1,000 properties have been restored so far. A 70-strong team from the mainland is en route now travel conditions are improving.
Meanwhile, rail and road users are facing chaos. Northern Scotland remains under a Met Office yellow warning for snow and ice until midday Friday. All schools in Shetland shut on Tuesday, with closures also reported in Aberdeenshire.
Road Chaos and Motorists Warning
Road surfaces are icy and treacherous, making travel a nightmare across the country. The RAC says recovery crews were “exceptionally busy” on Monday, helping over 7,500 motorists – a 50% jump from usual. The AA warns many smaller suburban and rural routes won’t be cleared, labelling driving conditions “dangerous.”
Stay safe. Stay warm. The UK’s winter fury shows no signs of letting up.
