Windstorm Elon causes major power outages, rail disruption in U.K.

Windstorm Elon brought heavy wind and rain to parts of the United Kingdom late Thursday night, catastrophe model firm RMS reported Friday.

Strong wind gusts were reported in Northern Ireland and Scotland, reaching 160 km per hour in the Scottish Highlands.

The storm also brought rainfall of up to four inches (101mm) in some areas of Scotland, including Edinburgh and Glasgow.

“The strong winds have knocked down trees and power lines across Scotland, causing approximately 75,000 power outages,” RMS reported.

“Rural areas have been worst affected by the power outages, with over 13,000 outages reported in Dingwall, 13,000 in Inverness-shire, 12,000 in the Western Isles, and 8,000 on the Isle of Skye.”

Some buildings have suffered structural damage from strong winds, but information is limited, the firm also noted.

Rail service has also been disrupted across Scotland, with all service suspended Friday morning, though some lines later re-opened.

The windstorm was set to track over central Europe, bringing strong winds and rainfall, while Windstorm Felix was also set to bring wind and rain to Northern Ireland and Scotland Friday.