Rural communities are bracing for an evening of significant snowfall as two amber warnings come into effect.
Parts of the northern Highlands, Orkney and Shetland can expect “frequent heavy snow showers” according to the Met Office.
Areas affected include Wester Ross, Easter Ross, Sutherland and Caithness with the weather service advising motorists not to travel between now and Thursday evening.
The expected snowfall will likely cause major travel disruption on roads and railways throughout the region.
It also means there is a high likelihood of power outages, difficult driving conditions, and stranded vehicles and people on roads.
The expected snowfall will likely cause major travel disruption on roads and railways throughout the region.
Yesterday, temperatures plunged to -14C in the Highland village of Dalwhinnie on the coldest night of winter so far, beating -12.5C in Altnaharra on December 3 2023.
Wednesday night could be even colder, with forecasters predicting temperatures to plunge to their lowest in 14 years.
‘Frequent heavy snow showers’ for the northern Highlands
With the adverse weather, Highland Council’s team of gritters have been out and have treated all primary and secondary routes.
In addition, a yellow weather warning remains in place across the whole country today for large parts of the Highlands and will extend to include all of Friday as well.
Another yellow warning for wind has been issued for Sunday for most of Scotland.
Trains across the region impacted by frozen points
Several railway lines are experiencing signalling issues which is causing disruption across the ScotRail network. To keep updated with journeys, visit the ScotRail website.
Trains running between Aberdeen and Edinburgh/Glasgow have resumed following a signalling fault at Arbroath.
However, officials say few trains are able to run on the lines due to the conditions.
Commuters leaving from Inverness have also been affected by the disruption following a string of cancellations.
Services to Wick, Elgin and Dingwall have faced cancellation or delay due to train faults.
Train services operating between Glasgow and Inverness are also facing delays of up to 29 minutes between Carrbridge and Inverness.
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- 8.24pm – Elgin to Inverness
- 8.37pm – Inverness to Elgin
Rail bosses are warning disruption across the network is expected until the end of the day.
Motorists facing disruption amidst heavy snow
Motorists have been facing difficult driving conditions due to large volumes of snow on the roads.
North Deeside Road was closed by police for a short time after a car came off the road.
Due to low overnight temperatures in Aberdeen, the council’s team of gritters have been out on the city’s major roads including in the city centre.
Pavements have also been treated in areas including, city centre to King’s Gate, Mastrick, Cults, Tillydrone, Northfield, Bridge of Don, Danestone, Woodside.
Fresh overnight snow in Inverness has created tricky driving conditions in and around the city.
Highland Council have warned of snow drifts of up to 2ft on the A836 Lairg to Tongue and A897 Helmsdale to Melvich.
In Caithness, there are reports of snow drifting across all roads in the area with up to five inches of snow falling overnight.
The snow gates at Braemar, Glenshee and Cock Bridge have reopened.
Flights have also been cancelled due to weather disruption by Loganair including to Shetland, Orkney and Aberdeen.
In the Western Isles, rescue teams have been assisting healthcare workers by offering transport amidst the bleak conditions.
In addition, more than 100 schools in Aberdeenshire have shut and 25,000 Highland children affected by delays and closures. You can read the full list here.
Inverness buses resume following morning cancellations
Stagecoach Highland bus services have resumed just hours after being suspended due to adverse road conditions.
Bosses announced first thing that all scheduled services in the Inverness area were cancelled due to heavy snow on the roads.
However, following improvements in weather and roads Stagecoach updated customers to announce afternoon services would resume.
In a statement, they said: “Due to improvements with weather and road conditions services around Inverness have resumed.”
Stagecoach Highland also announced this morning that all services in the Aviemore area remain suspended at this time.
Bus services in Skye, Orkney, Tain, Caithness and Gerry have also been cancelled.
Stagecoach has apologised for “any inconvenience caused,” adding that further updates will be announced throughout the day.
In addition, the council own bus services have also been suspended due to road conditions.
