Scotland is enduring a thirteenth consecutive day of severe weather disruption, with widespread flooding and landslides causing major travel chaos as northern regions brace for sub-zero temperatures and a new extreme ice warning.
Torrential Rain and Rapid Thaw Wreak Havoc
Homes, roads, and railway lines were submerged after more than seven inches of rain fell in just 36 hours. The situation was exacerbated by rising temperatures which triggered rapid snow melt, compounding problems in areas already hardest hit by nearly two weeks of wintry conditions. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) had issued 19 flood warnings and 12 flood alerts at the peak of the crisis.
Data shows over six inches (149.2mm) of rain drenched the western mainland on Monday alone. The Isle of Skye was battered even harder, recording a deluge of 7.4 inches (188.2mm) at Allt Derg between Monday morning and Tuesday afternoon, driven by gale-force winds and torrential downpours.
Transport Network in Disarray as Ice Threat Looms
The transport network has been severely impacted. A significant landslide has forced the closure of the A815 near the A83 Rest and Be Thankful junction in Argyll, with diversions via the B839 and B828. Major routes like the A92 near Portlethen, Aberdeenshire, and the A9 at Blair Atholl, Perthshire, were also shut for hours due to flooding.
While yellow alerts for heavy rain and wind have ended, a fresh danger has emerged. A new extreme weather warning for ice came into force at 7pm on Monday, covering areas north of the Central Belt including the Highlands, Moray, Aberdeenshire, Angus, Perthshire, and Stirling until 10am Tuesday. The warning states that "a combination of clear spells and light winds will allow road temperatures to fall below freezing", creating treacherous icy patches on untreated surfaces.
"Significant and Lengthy Event" Not Over, Officials Warn
Despite Aberdeenshire Council standing down the 'major incident' declared after 12 days of heavy snow, officials warn the crisis is ongoing. Chief Executive Jim Savage cautioned that a "significant risk of flooding" remains as snow continues to melt, with more snow, rain, and high winds forecast. Eight flood alerts remained in place overnight for parts of the Highlands, Moray, Angus, and Tayside.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance, who chaired a meeting of the Scottish Government Resilience Room, stated: "This has been a significant and lengthy weather event and, with flood warnings in place and a yellow alert for ice overnight, it is not over." Forecasters predict overnight temperatures could plunge to minus 5°C, with widespread frost and further snow on higher ground in the coming days.
