Glencoe remains without power or phone service this evening, the latest from Hydro Electric suggests reconnection for tomorrow evening. There has been significant damage done on the hill over and above cable derailments - though amazingly the Access Chair didn't derail at all!
Staff who've been there a long time don't remember anything like this. The good news though is there's more snow than at any point last season on Meall a' Bhuiridh.
The main office building which houses the car park level AWS which recorded a 105mph gust, was partially demolished by the wind on Thursday - so unlikely it will be possible to find out what the Weather Station recorded after the power went off!
Here's whats just been posted on the report page:
STAFF ARE STILL ON THE MOUNTAIN WORKING TO REPAIR STORM DAMAGE THIS EVENING AT TIME OF UPDATE. SKI AREA STILL WITHOUT POWER OR COMMUNICATIONS.
We hope to be able to open on Sunday morning, dependent on power being restored during Saturday as predicted.
There has been damage, with two lift huts completely gone, the bottom of the Access Chair and Plateau Poma. Staff have been working all day and now have the Access Chair back in operation.
The Cliffhanger Drive Station has lost it's roof.
The hope is to be fully open on Sunday, but check for updates. There has been significant new snow accumulations since Thursday morning, with cover to the foot of the Access Chair.