A dramatic and rapid rise in temperatures has plunged parts of Scotland into a fresh crisis of flooding and travel misery, following an 11-day freeze that brought heavy snow and sub-zero conditions.
From Deep Freeze to Rapid Thaw
Just days after the mercury plunged to a bone-chilling minus 14C – the coldest night of the year so far – a swift thaw combined with torrential rain has left several major routes underwater. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) responded by issuing 12 flood alerts and three more serious flood warnings across the country.
This marks the 12th consecutive day the nation has been under extreme weather warnings. Over the weekend, six separate alerts were in place, including an amber warning for further heavy snow in areas still blanketed in white. Western regions also braced for destructive winds of up to 100mph alongside the downpours.
Widespread Disruption and Hazardous Conditions
The hazardous conditions have severely impacted transport. ScotRail imposed speed restrictions across its network, while traffic on the landslide-prone A938 at Rest and Be Thankful was diverted as a precaution. Drivers on the A92 near Portlethen faced treacherous floods as firefighters worked to clear the scene.
Ironically, after being buried in snow, Scotland’s three main ski centres – Cairngorm Mountain, the Lecht, and Glenshee – were forced to close yesterday after becoming ‘stormbound’ by more overnight snow and high winds. Snow gates on the A939 between Cock Bridge and Tomintoul were also shut.
In the northeast, efforts continued to clear playgrounds and pavements in a bid to get pupils back to classrooms after the extended Christmas break.
Flood Risk Remains High
The Met Office warned that more than 110mm (over four inches) of rain could fall on Skye, Lochaber, Argyll and the Trossachs in just 10 hours. A separate warning for southwest Scotland anticipated 90mm of rain in under 24 hours. “This coupled with a rapid thaw of lying snow brings the possibility of some flooding,” the forecaster stated.
David Morgan, Sepa’s flood duty manager, highlighted the ongoing danger: “Possible impacts could include flooding affecting parts of communities, low lying land, transport infrastructure and individual properties. Driving conditions will be very difficult at times.” He identified Dumfries-shire, and the west and north, as facing the greatest risk in the coming days.
Chief meteorologist Matthew Lehnert confirmed that mild Atlantic air is now pushing in from the west, with temperatures in places like Achnagart and Dunstaffnage reaching 10.8C – a stark contrast to the previous week's freezing daytime figures. However, he cautioned that the significant snow melt, combined with heavy rain, continues to pose a serious flood threat.
