Snow warnings upgraded to amber in wintry start to new year
Disruption expected in parts of the Highlands and north-east Scotland with up to 40cm on higher ground
Amber weather warnings for snow are in place for parts of Scotland in a wintry start to the new year.
The Met Office has issued amber warnings for heavy snow showers that could bring disruption in parts of the Highlands and north-east Scotland between midday on Friday and midday on Saturday.
It warns accumulations of 10-20cm of snow are likely at low levels, with 30-40cm possible on high ground, while winds could lead to temporary blizzard conditions.
Winter weather affected a number of roads on Thursday, with snow gates in place and vehicles becoming stuck.
The A952 at Toll of Birness in Aberdeenshire was closed following a two-car crash on Thursday afternoon, with three women injured.
Snow gates were closed on the A93 at Braemar and on the B974 at Bridge of Dye due to the adverse weather conditions on Thursday afternoon, and gritters and ploughs were out on the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.
Forecasters said delays and cancellations to rail and air travel are likely, as are power cuts and disruption on the roads, while some rural communities could become cut off.
Highlands and Islands Airports warned passengers: “Forecasted adverse weather may impact flight schedules across Scotland. Please contact your airline for the latest flight information before travelling.”
Meanwhile, Scottish airline Loganair said: “In view of the weather warnings forecast until Monday and the potential for travel disruption, we are offering customers the opportunity to adjust travel plans without charge.
“We plan to fly all our scheduled services. Standby aircraft and crews are in place to help recover disrupted services as soon as weather permits.”
A ScotRail spokesperson said a previously revised timetable is planned to run as scheduled on Friday.
The spokesperson said: “We're continuing to monitor the forecast and conditions and should any changes to the plan for tomorrow or Saturday be required, we'll let customers know at the earliest opportunity."
CalMac said several Ullapool-Stornoway sailings would be cancelled on Friday due to “forecast strong northly winds gusting in excess of 45mph and associated sea swell conditions”.
It said services on some other routes, including to Islay, are "liable to disruption or cancellation at short notice due to the forecast adverse weather".
Weather warnings were in force on New Year’s Day in Scotland, with a yellow warning of snow and ice covering the northern part of the country.
The Met Office predicts 10cm of snow accumulating by Friday morning, while up to 20cm could build up above 200 metres.
The warning is in force until midnight on Friday and at the weekend it extends further south, covering the area down to Perth and southerly parts of Argyll and Bute until midnight on Sunday.
Transport Scotland urged motorists to plan ahead and check before they travel.
A spokesperson said: “The current forecast suggests that the A835/A87, A9 (north of Inverness), the A95, A96 and A90/AWPR may all see heavy snow, with fresh northerly winds potentially leading to drifting of lying snow and blizzard conditions.”
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, said: “Some very challenging weather and freezing temperatures are being forecast for the next few days and into the weekend. We would urge people to listen to Police Scotland travel advice and check with their operator.
“The Traffic Scotland website gives people access to the latest information on the trunk road network and Traffic Scotland social media channels are updated regularly so you can check if your route is available.
“There may also be disruption on other modes of transport, so please check with your operator before setting off.”
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