Amber Warning for Snow (1)
The Met Office has just issued an Amber warning for snow across large parts of central and southern Scotland for the next 24 hours. Full details are available at: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings/#?tab=map
Snow is likely to settle at low levels, leading to accumulations, in places, of 5-8 cm at around 100 m in a short space of time. Accumulations of over 10 cm are likely above around 200 m. Wednesday morning could see similar amounts of snow fall once again, on top of what will already be lying.
The Scottish Government and Transport Scotland are working with their partners to ensure that preparations for dealing with the wintry conditions and to mitigate the effects of the weather where possible are taking place.
The most immediate issues are likely to be experienced on the transport network at the peak periods tonight and tomorrow morning and a multi-agency response team will be co-ordinating the response from the National Traffic Control Centre in South Queensferry.
The Trunk Road Operating Companies have gritting patrols out across the country and teams are on stand-by react to any incidents on the roads.
There is high risk of disruption across all transport networks and passengers are strongly advised to check their travel operator’s website before they set-off on their journey.
Transport Minister, Derek Mackay said:
“A wide range of agencies and organisations are working together to implement their response plans to keep disruption as a result of this latest set of wintry conditions to a minimum.
“Our Trunk Road Operating Companies are doing all they can to keep roads clear where possible. We have patrols out across the day and night and motorists can see details of where and when gritters will be in operation through the interactive winter treatments map on the Traffic Scotland website.
“There is plenty of salt in stock and our winter control rooms are monitoring conditions 24/7 make sure that the winter fleet is treating and patrolling where required.
“Drivers should check conditions before they travel, leave some extra time for their journeys and make sure their vehicle is well maintained with an emergency kit. Live information on conditions is available on the Traffic Scotland Twitter feed, smartphone App, internet radio and website.”
Chief Inspector Louise Blakelock, Road Policing, said:
“With a substantial risk of disruption to travel likely throughout today and into Wednesday due to the weather, motorists should consider whether their journey is absolutely necessary.
“If you do decide to travel, ensure your vehicle is well prepared before setting off; make sure your windscreens are completely free of snow and ice, and your lights are working and clean.
“Ensure you have sufficient fuel in the vehicle, as well as supplies for yourself and passengers, including food, water, warm clothes and a fully charged mobile phone. Check you route before you set off, and consider an alternative route, if possible.
“Motorists should adapt their driving to suit road conditions, as well as the behaviour of other road users, including leaving more space between vehicles.
“Road Policing crews will be patrolling the road network to keep people safe during this period - please follow our advice to travel with extra caution."
Managing Director of ScotRail Steve Montgomery, said:
"The most important advice we can give is to check your own journey before setting off. You can use the ScotRail app or our website to do this. We are monitoring the weather very closely and working with Network Rail to finalise our plans. We will ensure that regular updates are provided across all customer channels."
David Dickson, Network Rail route managing director for Scotland said:
"During periods of snow and extreme cold we use a number of measures to keep the network open including insulated points heaters to prevent freezing, snow ploughs to remove drifts and our snow train which uses hot air blowers and steam to thaw frozen parts of the network.
"Our teams are out on the network now and will be working around the clock to keep the tracks clear."