Scotland is bracing for the coldest week of winter with heavy snow and ice set to cause travel chaos for travelers returning to work after the festive holidays.
A yellow warning covering much of the central belt and south of Scotland has been extended until midday today. (Mon) as the country faces a “double attack” from different weather systems hitting it simultaneously.
High winds, snow and ice are expected to create “difficult driving conditions”, with temperatures predicted to drop to -17C tomorrow night. (Tuesday).
It came as the conditions hit much of northern England yesterday, leaving major airports and roads paralyzed, while forecasters predicted more snowfall in the south this week.
During hours of snowstorms, much of northern England, the Midlands and Wales woke up to a carpet of white up to six and a half inches deep as temperatures plunged to -11C.
The Met Workplace warns that rural communities in Scotland “could be left isolated”, with the risk of power cuts and the potential for travel disruption due to air and rail cancellations.
It comes as schools prepare to welcome pupils back to classrooms and many adults return to work after the two-week Christmas holiday.
Loch Glaschgarnoch, near Garve, Wester Ross, recorded the second coldest temperature of the winter so far as the mercury fell to -11.1C overnight last night, just below the 11.2C previously recorded in Tyndrum, Perthshire, last month.
Traffic moves through falling snow in Edinburgh as winter conditions approach the city
The 15th century Smailholm Tower near Kelso in Roxburghshire in a gloomy snow covered landscape
But forecasters warn that more weather warnings could be issued later in the week as wintry conditions show no signs of easing, with Orkney and Shetland set to experience some of the strongest gusts reaching up to 60mph.
Meteorologist Johnathan Vautrey said parts of Scotland could enjoy periods of sunshine between snow showers.
But it warned that as skies clear in more sheltered areas, where the white stuff has built up after persistent snowfall, temperatures could drop to “minus 15C and minus 17C” tomorrow night.
He said: “This is because snow is a big reflector of heat and doesn’t allow it to be stored in the ground during the day, so nighttime temperatures really plummet.”
He added: “With strong winds, drifting snow and blizzard conditions, especially in northern areas, there is a potential for travel disruption.”
Following a widespread amber warning for heavy snow on Saturday night, Bingley in West Yorkshire recorded a depth of 17cm (6½in).
Emma Norton used skis to get around the village of Carrbridge with baby Thomas
Shap in Cumbria and Capel Curig in Gwynedd, north Wales, were covered in 10 centimeters (4 inches) of snow, the forecaster said.
Amid the harsh conditions, the Brecon Mountain Rescue Team was called in to save campers near Cwm Lwch, South Wales.
Birmingham Airport suspended operations for several hours on Saturday night while staff removed snow.
The runways at Manchester and Liverpool John Lennon airports were closed for part of yesterday morning, causing cancellations and delays.
Leeds Bradford Airport was unable to resume flights until early afternoon, with all affected airports warning of disruption throughout the day.
The snow also closed routes across the Pennines, including the A66 and A628 Woodhead Cross.
An aerial view of the snow covered village of Leadhills in Lanarkshire
The Strathspey steam railway continued to operate despite recent snow and cold weather which prevented Scotrail from providing some of its services.
There are two snow and ice warnings in place for Scotland until 11am and midday on Monday covering wide areas of the country including the Highlands and Islands, Dumfries and Galloway, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Angus and Perthshire.
A third snow warning covers much of the central belt and the Borders.
Up to eight inches of snow was predicted to fall overnight in southern Scotland, but forecasters warn that as “rainfall clears erratically eastwards (this morning) ice is likely to form on untreated surfaces.” ».
Aberdeenshire, Moray and parts of Angus, Perthshire and Strathspey were also expected to see more than four inches of snow fall on higher ground.
Vautrey said the reason for the widespread snowfall was that the country was facing a “double attack” thanks to the weather system that put parts of England under a rare “danger to life” amber warning that extended into Scotland and a north wind. advancing from the Arctic.
It comes as England and Wales were plunged into chaos at the weekend as heavy snow and freezing rain caused widespread travel disruption and power cuts.
Several major airports were also closed, while the Brecon Mountain Rescue Team was called in to save campers near Cwm Lwch, south Wales.
In an effort to cope with the cold snap of early January, Scotland’s fleet of named and unnamed area plows and spreaders has been present across the country.
The snow alert, which covers much of central Scotland, says: “There is a small chance that power cuts may occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected.”
It also highlights the possibility of “some rural communities being isolated” and says there is “the potential for travel delays on the roads with some vehicles and passengers stranded, along with rail and air travel delayed or cancelled.” .
Meanwhile, the AA advises motorists to make sure their cars are free of snow and ice before setting off.
Their website says: “It is not illegal to drive with snow in your car, but the law states that all the windows of your car must be clear so you can see through all of them… If you enter In the event of an accident with snow in the windows, it could be considered dangerous driving.’
Motorists were also urged to plan ahead and make sure they have essentials, including warm clothing, food, water, a flashlight, ice scraper and a car phone charger, in case of delays, as possible. that daytime temperatures are maintained. below zero for much of the week.
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Mike Silverstone said: “The low pressure that caused snow and heavy rain in the south will move eastwards on Monday.
‘This will allow a cold northward flow to establish itself again for much of next week.
“This will bring more sleet, snow and hail particularly to the north of Scotland, but possibly to other areas, especially near the western coasts, with plenty of dry and bright weather elsewhere.
‘Temperatures will remain below average, with widespread frosts and, at times, the threat of ice. Some areas, especially in the north, may have difficulty getting above freezing for several days.’
