Fresh amber weather warnings have been issued across northern Scotland as a severe wintry blast brings significant disruption, closing major roads and threatening to cut off rural communities.
Warnings Expanded as Snowfall Intensifies
The Met Office has extended its amber alerts after they came into force on Friday. Two separate amber warnings for heavy snow are now active in parts of the Highlands and north-east Scotland, having begun at midday on Friday. A further amber warning for Shetland was issued on Friday afternoon, valid from midnight until noon on Saturday.
Forecasters warn that accumulations of 10-20cm of snow are likely at low levels, with a staggering 30-40cm possible on high ground. Strong winds are expected to cause blizzard conditions, severely reducing visibility. On Shetland, 10-15cm is forecast at low levels, with 20-30cm on higher terrain.
A broader yellow warning for snow and ice covers much of Scotland, extending as far south as Angus and Perthshire. This warning is now expected to last until midday on Monday, having been extended from its original Sunday expiry.
Major Travel Disruption Across the North
The wintry conditions have already caused severe problems on the transport network. Traffic Scotland confirmed the closure of several key routes on Friday morning due to snow gates being shut. These include:
- The A93 Braemar to Glenshee road.
- The A939 between Tomintoul and Cockbridge.
- The B974 Cairn O’Mount to Fettercairn.
- The Bealach na Ba pass.
Drifting snow has also led to the closure of the A897 Helmsdale Strath road between Forsinard and Halladale, and the B874 between Halkirk and the A9. Police Scotland reported "hazardous" conditions on the Glen Etive road near Glencoe.
The A90 northbound was closed earlier between Stonehaven and Cleanhill Roundabout after several vehicles became stuck in extremely heavy snowfall, though it has since reopened. Rail services between Inverness and Wick are also disrupted after a tree blocked the line between Fearn and Invergordon.
Public Urged to Avoid Non-Essential Travel
Authorities are pleading with the public to reconsider any planned journeys. Chief Superintendent Scott McCarren, Head of Road Policing at Police Scotland, advised: "Plan ahead and consider if your journey is really necessary during the warning periods. Please don’t drive through road closures; the decision to close roads is not taken lightly and is done for public safety."
Highland Council reported issues with campervans and cars stuck on ice in tourist areas and urged all motorists to drive with extreme caution. Aberdeen Airport advised passengers to check their flight status before travelling, though the airfield remains operational with teams working to clear snow.
Scotland’s Transport Secretary, Fiona Hyslop, echoed the warnings: "Some very challenging weather and freezing temperatures are being forecast. We would urge people to listen to Police Scotland travel advice and check with their operator."
Met Office Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong stated that the Arctic air will persist, with the cold spell likely lasting well into next week. He emphasised the importance of staying updated with the latest forecasts as further warnings are probable.
