Amber Alert Issued as Scotland Extends Snow Warning
Scotland is grappling with severe winter conditions as amber and yellow snow warnings are now in effect. The Met Office upgraded the alert in northern regions, covering numerous areas until 19:00 on Tuesday. Simultaneously, a yellow warning persists in central and southern Scotland until 11:00.
Impact of Heavy Snowfall
As a result of the snow, hundreds of schools remain closed, particularly in Aberdeenshire, Orkney, and Shetland. Schools in Aberdeen and Moray are also impacted. The lowest recorded temperature reached -11.2°C in Dalwhinnie.
- Heavy Snow Expected: 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in the amber warning area.
- Higher Ground Snow: Up to 6 inches (15 cm) above 656 ft (200 m).
Transport conditions are hazardous. According to Police Scotland, driving might remain dangerous in various areas. The A9 road south of Berridale had to be closed temporarily for the recovery of a crashed Royal Mail lorry.
Transport Disruptions
Numerous transport services are facing interruptions. Buses in the northeast report delays, with Stagecoach suspending Orkney services until 10:00. Network Rail teams are actively working to clear snowdrifts obstructing railway lines in northern Scotland, with snowploughs deployed for assistance.
| Transport Type | Status |
|---|---|
| Buses | Many services cancelled; Orkney suspended |
| Rail | Some lines operational; others closed |
| Flights | Several flights cancelled; check with airlines |
Travelers are advised to confirm their routes in advance. Network Rail cautioned against snow depths exceeding 30 cm, which prohibit safe train operation unless equipped with snow ploughs.
Community and Government Response
First Minister John Swinney acknowledged the extensive efforts to maintain public services and ensure transportation remains operational. He urged citizens to remain vigilant, plan ahead, and heed travel advisories.
On the education front, the Douglas Ewart High School in Dumfries and Galloway is closed due to heating issues, impacting many students. The school is expected to reopen on Wednesday.
As the winter conditions persist, further snowfall is anticipated throughout Tuesday, with projections of an additional 2-5 cm widely. In certain areas, the snow accumulation may reach 10-15 cm.
