A new yellow weather warning for snow and rain has been issued across much of the Highlands and Grampian – just days after Storm Gerrit wreaked havoc.
The Met Office alert comes into effect from 8am tomorrow until midnight, with sleet and snow set to turn into rain as the day goes on.
The warning covers a large part of the country, excluding Elgin, Forres, Nairn and Thurso, as well as Orkney and Shetland.
It’s expected to cause further disruption with drivers warned to consider if their journey is necessary to avoid becoming stranded on dangerous roads which may be flooded or snowed over.
It reads: “An active frontal system will extend northeastwards through Saturday bringing heavy rain to low levels and a period of snow across higher ground to some parts of Scotland.
“Snow accumulations are expected largely above 250-300 metres, where five to ten cm may accumulate.
“At lower levels mostly rain is expected with 15-25 mm, although some snow accumulations may occur for a time over northwestern areas, with perhaps one to three cm in places.
“Snow turning to rain in the south early afternoon and melting snow over high ground along with some heavy rain and saturated ground may lead to some flooding of roads and railways.
“Rain and snow clearing from the south through the afternoon and evening”.
Met Office predicts chilly New Year’s Day
The Met Office previously shared areas of the Highlands could be covered in up to eight inches of snow ahead of New Year’s Eve.
It is most likely to fall on higher ground while lower ground has the potential for more “slushy” snow.
Areas across the north and north-east are expected to be blustery and windy with temperatures below 10C.
Come the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Day temperatures are expected to drop to about 0C with a dry but chilly day to follow.
New warning days after Storm Gerrit A9 snow chaos
The new warning has been shared just days after the country was hit by Storm Gerrit.
Several major roads, including the A96 and A82, were closed to traffic due to dangerous conditions caused by flooding and fallen trees.
The A96 was closed at Huntly for more than 30 hours due to severe flooding under the railway bridge.
Meanwhile, a number of drivers were stranded on the A9 for more than 10 hours during snow blizzards.
A landslide at Scrabster led to another lengthy closure, while Pennan in Aberdeenshire was “cut off” due to a small landslip on the main road into the village.
Several train lines were also closed after snow, heavy rain and 86mph winds wreaked havoc.
Sepa still has a flood alert in place across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire with more rain forecast in the aftermath of the storm.
There is a further risk of localised flooding of low lying land and roads from rivers and surface water.
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