THE Met Office has updated weather warnings across Scotland to an Amber ‘be prepared’ warning for snow - with up to 20cm expected in higher areas and 10cm at lower levels.
The Amber warning, in place from 3pm today until Thursday night, cautions of snow for much of mainland Scotland.
A yellow warning for snow and ice came into force at 8am today and is due to last through to 9pm tomorrow.
Forecasters have now added the additional Amber warning, highlighting the threat of heavy snow, with substantial disruption likely.
⚠️⚠️Amber Warning issued⚠️⚠️
— Met Office (@metoffice) January 13, 2021
Snow across parts of Scotland and northern England
Wednesday 1500 – Thursday 1000
Heavy snow will cause disruption with a possibility of power cuts and roads becoming blocked by snow ❄️❄️
Latest info 👉 https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs
Stay #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/IOA7nQ5Vua
What is the forecast?
Rain will turn to snow across Scotland this afternoon and evening, forecasters have indicated, which will initially fall on high ground, but increasingly to lower levels.
Over the course of this evening and night the risk of snow will extend southwards, and 10 to 20 cm snow is likely to accumulate above 200 metres with greater amounts at higher elevations.
Amounts at low levels (below 100 metres) are less certain, but 5 to 10 cm is likely in some places by tomorrow morning.
Snow will persist into tomrrow morning, slowly dying out during the afternoon.
Currently in force, a yellow warning for snow and ice is in place as an area of rain pushing north-eastwards is expected to turn to snow in places as it encounters colder air across the country.
A band of rain is moving northeastwards this morning and as it bumps into cold air across northern areas, there is a risk of freezing rain, sleet and snow in places giving hazardous and very #icy conditions ⚠️
— Met Office (@metoffice) January 13, 2021
Becoming drier in southwestern areas and here it will be much milder pic.twitter.com/ImObuH6mQo
The Met Office has also urged caution after highlighting the "main hazard" of rain falling onto frozen surfaces and leading to ice, especially on higher level routes.
However, snow is more likely later today and at points tomorrow, with heavier snowfall likely above 100m in Scotland where 5-10 cm of snow may accumulate, possibly 20 cm on highest routes.
At lower levels in Scotland, 2-5cm of snow may accumulate in places.
What are the risks?
There is the potential for travel delays on roads stranding some vehicles and passengers, especially across higher routes, with potential for road closures.
Likewise, snow and ice could cause delays or cancellations to rail and air travel.
❄ Freezing rain can be very dangerous...
— Met Office (@metoffice) January 12, 2021
For more information 👇 pic.twitter.com/0UzHgvqco4
Scots should be aware that power cuts may occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, could also be affected.
Untreated pavements and cycle paths might be dangerous or even impassable, posing a greater risk of injuries and accidents.
What areas are affected by the Met Office Amber warning for snow?
Central, Tayside & Fife
- Angus
- Clackmannanshire
- Falkirk
- Fife
- Perth and Kinross
- Stirling
Grampian
- Aberdeenshire
- Moray
Highlands & Eilean Siar
- Highland
SW Scotland, Lothian Borders
- Dumfries and Galloway
- East Lothian
- Edinburgh
- Midlothian Council
- Scottish Borders
- West Lothian
Strathclyde
- Argyll and Bute
- East Dunbartonshire
- Glasgow
- North Lanarkshire
- South Lanarkshire
In the Scottish Borders, the council has warned adverse weather could cause problems through to the end of the week.
Jim Fraser, Emergency Planning Officer said: “With widespread snow and some freezing rain possible over the course of Wednesday and Thursday, there is the strong potential for disruption across our road network and communities. We may even see this warning upgraded to an amber warning if necessary.
“It is expected that the effects of these adverse weather conditions will continue to cause disruption for residents into Friday morning."
It comes after much of Scotland has experienced wintry conditions over the past month, and a spike in falls has led to fears of hospitals becoming "overwhelmed."
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and health boards across Scotland have urged people to take extra care when out and about and to stay at home where possible to help relieve pressure on the NHS.
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