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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Ross Dunn

Storm Franklin wreaks havoc as giant tree falls and power cuts hit Ayrshire

Multiple power cuts have hit Ayrshire in the wake of Storm Franklin.

One giant tree has also fallen in Kilmarnock overnight, completely blocking a road.

Power cuts have been reported in Stewarton, Fenwick (now restored), just outside Crosshouse, Newmilns, Dreghorn (now restored), Rankinston, Minishant and Maidens.

The huge tree has collapsed on the road to Mount House in Kilmarnock, just off Dundonald Road.

The route is popular for kids going to and from school in the area and is mainly used for access to properties at the iconic building.

A yellow weather warning remains in place until 1pm this afternoon.

Advice from the Met Office reads: "Winds are likely to strengthen across England and Wales on Sunday, as an increasingly squally band of rain moves southeastwards.

"Gusts of 55-60 mph are expected widely around south and west facing coasts, but possibly also briefly inland. There is a chance that a few exposed places could see gusts near 70 mph.

"Strong gusts associated with blustery wintry showers will follow from the north. A swathe of very strong winds will reach Northern Ireland later Sunday evening in association with Storm Franklin.

"These very strong winds will spread to many other western, central and southern areas of the UK overnight and early Monday, with gusts widely 50-60 mph, whilst west facing coastal districts will see gusts of 65-75 mph and perhaps 80 mph briefly near north coast of Northern Ireland.

"In the south these strong winds may hamper, or slow, ongoing recovery efforts in the wake of Storm Eunice. Winds will ease steadily from the northwest during the remainder of Monday."

Engineers are currently working to restore power to the pockets of Ayrshire hit by Storm Franklin with experts aiming to have power restored by 3pm today.

A status update from SP Energy Networks reads: "Our engineers have worked intensely assessing and repairing the damage caused by Storm Franklin.

"Our engineers will be working to restore supplies by 3pm. We understand this has been a frustrating time for our customers and want to assure you we are doing everything possible to restore your power as quickly and as safely as possible.

"The damage sustained was extensive and the weather has also hindered our ability to complete repairs as quickly as we would expect in these circumstances.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued patience whilst we restore your supply."

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