Fresh amber snow warnings issued

The Met Office has issued a new amber weather warning for snow for parts of northern Scotland for this evening (Sunday) into Monday. 

The new warnings can be viewed on the Met Office website.

The warnings cover much of the Highlands and Grampians areas, and the Northern Isles, from Sunday evening (6pm) until 10am on Monday. The warning highlights the potential for another 5-10cm of snow accumulating at low levels, with the potential for 20-30cm on high ground. Drifting snow and blizzard conditions are also likely in these areas.

Given the return to work and school for many people tomorrow (Monday) morning, the operating hours of the MART (multi agency response team) are being extended to monitor conditions.

In addition to the new amber alert, the current medium impact, Yellow Warning for Snow across northern Scotland has also been extended to 11:59pm on Monday. In addition, another medium impact warning for snow and ice has been issued for Tuesday.

The current forecast suggests key trunk and local routes could see heavy snow and ice, poor visibility, and challenging conditions.

An amber warning potentially means an increased likelihood of impacts from severe weather, which could disrupt travel. There is the possibility of road and rail closures, power cuts and the potential risk to life and property. You should think about changing your plans and taking action to protect yourself and your property.

Police Scotland travel advice for the amber area is a high risk of disruption.

The Multi-Agency Response Team will be operational, monitoring conditions, co-ordinating messaging and our response, and providing support as required.

Operating companies have deployed extra resources, activated dedicated snow plans for specific routes, and stand ready to provide any mutual aid requested.

Partners have held daily calls since December 31st and throughout the cold snap to ensure thorough preparations and a co-ordinated response is activated. Transport Scotland have chaired the calls which have featured contributions from Operating Companies, the Met Office, Traffic Scotland, Police Scotland and others. ScotRail and Network Rail also held separate meetings to discuss messaging and preparations.

The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) has also been activated in response to amber warnings for snow. Advice to stay safe in the snow and ice.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, said: 

“We've already seen challenging conditions and freezing temperatures, with more snow and ice on the way for the same areas.

"Of course for many Monday marks a return to work from the festive break. If you have to travel then please ensure your vehicle is winter ready and have a winter kit in your car. 

"Follow Police Scotland travel advice. If you can delay your journey until the amber warning has expired, please do so.

"I'd also like to thank all the frontline staff such as gritter drivers, chainsaw gangs, police officers and many others who have been out working in dreadful conditions these past few days and over the next 48 hours.

“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.”

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell:

“The forecasted heavy snow showers and ice means driving conditions are likely to be hazardous in some areas. Our advice is to plan ahead and consider if your journey is really necessary during the weather warnings.

“We continue to work with partners to help our communities impacted by the adverse weather.

“If you need to travel, please drive to the conditions, be prepared for delays and allow extra time for your journey. Please don’t drive through road closures, the decision to close roads is not taken lightly and is done for public safety.”