MOTORISTS are facing difficult driving conditions in parts of Scotland as snow causes travel disruption, while there were also reports of “thundersnow” in some areas.
The Queensferry Crossing was closed to vehicles in both directions due to the weather, including falling ice and snow, while in the north east police warned of dangerous driving conditions on the A93 and the B993.
Rail passengers are also affected, with ScotRail warning of “significant disruption to services on multiple routes” due to heavy snow.
Meanwhile, some people contacted police to raise concerns after they heard strange noises amid stormy weather.
Police Scotland Control Rooms tweeted at around 5am this morning: “We have received a number of calls regarding people concerned about explosions heard.
“Please do not be alarmed, we are currently experiencing thunder and lightning.”
Many people took to social media to describe the noises they heard.
Edinpotter63 tweeted: “Good morning from snowy Edinburgh. Woken up at 4.40 by thundersnow!”, while Dr Bryony Coombs @BryonyCoombs tweeted: “Good morning to everyone in #Edinburgh who woke in the middle of the night to huge crashes of thunder, lightning and snow… #thundersnow.”
The Met Office has issued yellow warnings of snow for much of the country, which are valid until 9am on Friday.
Snow in Shotts, North Lanarkshire
It states: “The bulk of snow accumulations will be over hills and mountains. 2-5cm of snow is possible above 150m, with transient sleet/snow at lower elevations.
“Steadily increasing amounts are likely at higher levels; perhaps as much as 10-20cm above 400m, significantly affecting higher transport routes for a time before it turns to rain.”
Police in Ayrshire tweeted that many roads in the area are affected by snow and urged people to take extra care.
Elsewhere, Police Scotland reported that the A70 Lanark Road West, just after Belerno, is closed due to an articulated lorry stuck due to weather.
Diversions for the Queensferry Crossing have been put in place via the A985 Kincardine Bridge.
Chris Tracey, BEAR Scotland’s South East Unit Bridges Manager, said: “The safety of bridge users comes first and therefore we’ve made the decision to temporarily close the Queensferry Crossing due to ongoing adverse weather conditions.
“We are constantly monitoring the structure in real time using a bespoke system of weather sensors on the towers and deck of the Queensferry Crossing.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused to road users by this closure and will reopen the bridge when safe to do so.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel