HUNDREDS of train travellers were left stranded, motorists were warned to stay at home and houses crumbled yesterday as a wintry blast hit the north-east.
Roads across the region were closed – causing massive tailbacks and diversions for motorists – and part of the centre of Aberdeen was flooded as the region was battered by gales, rain, sleet and snow.
Aberdeenshire Council dealt with 15 incidents of fallen trees between 5.30am and 7.30am and numerous others throughout the day.
Nineteen schools were closed, with a further 12 affected by transport problems, the council also confirmed. Even Santa was forced to cancel an appearance when a Winter Wonderland event, due to take place at Union Terrace Gardens in Aberdeen last night, was cancelled.
Forecasters said the risk of flooding would continue into this morning as severe gales, sleet and showers continue to batter the region.
“A combination of high tides and storm surge will result in a risk of flooding in some coastal communities, including the north Aberdeenshire coast,” said Pascal Lardet, hydrology duty manager for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.
“Other areas may also be affected by local wave and spray overtopping.”
Police also put the Grampian area on high alert, warning the public to take extra care, with temperatures expected to plummet.
In Aberdeen city centre yesterday, a team of officers were stationed at the railway and bus stations to give passengers advice.
The team – which included a drug squad and sniffer dogs – were posted there initially as part of a day-long crackdown on crime and other antisocial behaviour.
But Chief Inspector George MacDonald said their role changed when the severe weather took hold.
Scores of extra buses had to be laid on to accommodate those affected by the train cancellations.
Mr MacDonald said the entire force was out in the north-east making sure the public was safe.
In Aberdeen, firefighters were called to a house in the Middlefield area after the chimney collapsed on to the roof.
The flats were unoccupied at the time and no one was injured.
Major flooding also caused chaos in the city centre after the River Dee burst its banks at Riverside Drive.
In Banff, the community centre at Bridge Street had to be evacuated after flooding blocked access to the main entrance.
All bookings were cancelled for the day, and the extent of the damage was being assessed last night.
The A90 Stonehaven-Laurencekirk road was blocked one mile south of Stonehaven after a lorry jackknifed on the northbound carriageway.
There were further concerns that fluid leaking from the vehicle could freeze and create hazardous driving conditions.
Bus services were also affected as road surfaces became treacherous.
The Stagecoach service between Elgin and Aberdeen was suspended after the A96 was closed between Huntly and Inverurie. Services through Oldmeldrum were also affected after a tree fell on a car.
Stagecoach services in the Alford, Insch, Huntly and Inverurie areas were also subject to “serious” delays and diversions because of debris on roads.
Aberdeen Coastguard also had to deal with five offshore beacons that had blown away.
A spokesman said: “They are used in an emergency and set off when someone is in danger. Thankfully, there were no incidents while we searched for them, and we managed to locate all five by 5pm.”
Both Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire councils issued warnings last night as the threat of freezing conditions, flooding and strong winds remained.
A spokesman for Aberdeenshire Council said: “Winds are dropping, but temperatures are also plunging rapidly, with snow showers and low temperatures expected. Icy conditions are making driving difficult in many areas and we continue to urge people to drive carefully and allow extra time for journeys, especially on Friday.”
An Aberdeen City Council spokeswoman added: “Motorists are warned not to be fooled by the temperature sensors in their vehicles, which give the air temperature, not the road surface temperature.
“The council would also like to remind city residents that the grit bins on Aberdeen streets are available for all to use on public areas.”