Storm Bert is expected to bring significant disruption to businesses in Aberdeen and surrounding areas, as severe weather warnings are issued for the weekend. The Met Office has announced an amber alert for heavy snow and ice, covering parts of Angus, Perth and Kinross, Stirlingshire, Aberdeenshire, and some of the Highlands.
The storm is likely to cause widespread travel disruptions, potentially affecting supply chains and employee commutes. Forecasters warn that “power cuts and travel disruption are likely and there is a good chance some rural communities could become cut off.”
This isolation could severely impact businesses in remote areas, cutting them off from customers and resources. Transport networks are expected to face significant challenges. The amber warning suggests “long delays and cancellations on bus and rail travel. Roads may be affected by deep snow, particularly over higher routes.”
This could lead to delivery delays and logistical issues for many businesses across Scotland. The energy sector, a crucial component of Aberdeen’s economy, may also face challenges. Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is preparing for potential power outages, stating they are “activating our well-rehearsed contingency plans and bringing in additional teams to deal with any damage to the network and subsequent faults, which may interrupt customers’ power supplies.”
Retail and hospitality sectors could see a decline in footfall as the Met Office advises people to avoid unnecessary travel. However, this might lead to a short-term boost for online retailers and food delivery services.
Agriculture may suffer as “there is a good chance some rural communities could become cut off”. This could lead to difficulties in transporting livestock and produce to markets.
As Storm Bert approaches, businesses are advised to review their contingency plans, ensure remote working capabilities where possible, and stay updated on the latest weather information to mitigate potential impacts on their operations.
