Amber snow warning
An upgraded amber warning for snow is expected to bring significant disruption to the transport network in the south of Scotland.
The Met Office has upgraded its snow warning to amber for parts of Lanark, Penicuik and Dalkeith, east of the M74 and west of Galashiels and Jedburgh, running from 1800 on Wednesday 20 January to 0800 on Thursday 21 January. A yellow warning for snow remains in place for much of southern Scotland through to midday on Thursday.
The current COVID restrictions mean that people should not be making journeys unless they are for an essential purpose.
Our operating companies are closely monitoring the trunk road network, carrying out dedicated patrols and treatments, as well as providing assistance to motorists where necessary. The Multi-Agency Response Team is also operational for the duration of the weather warnings.
Potential impacts of the amber warning include long delays and cancellations on bus and rail travel. Roads may be affected by deep snow, particularly over higher routes, and some rural communities might be cut off. Interruptions to power supplies and telephone networks could also occur.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said:
“The Met Office is telling us that Storm Christoph is likely to bring another period of challenging weather to parts of Scotland over the next few days, particularly in the north and north east of Scotland.
“The current COVID restrictions mean you should only be leaving your home for an essential purpose, so please consider if your journey is absolutely necessary before setting off.
“The forecast snow has potential to cause difficult driving conditions and disruption to the wider transport network, so if you have to make an essential journey during the warning period it’s important you plan your journey, drive to the conditions and follow Police Scotland travel advice.
“The Traffic Scotland mobile website – my.trafficscotland.org – is a great source of travel information on the move and you can also follow the Traffic Scotland twitter page for regular updates throughout the day.
“There may well be disruption on other modes of transport, so if you are planning to make an essential journey on another mode, please check with your operator before setting off.”
Chief Superintendent Louise Blakelock said:
"Government restrictions on only travelling if your journey is essential remain in place and with an Amber warning for snow. Please consider if your journey really is essential and whether you can delay it until the weather improves.
"If you deem your journey is essential, plan ahead and make sure you and your vehicle are suitably prepared by having sufficient fuel and supplies such as warm clothing, food, water and charge in your mobile phone in the event you require assistance.
"The Met Office, Traffic Scotland and SEPA websites and social media channels have valuable information about weather disruptions and we would encourage people to check these sites before setting off on their journey."