Executive Summary
- Met Office issues amber alerts for northern Scotland with up to 30cm of snow expected in some areas.
- Highland Council reports treacherous driving conditions; A9 and A99 roads remain closed.
- Network Rail snowploughs encounter 4ft deep drifts, impacting rail service.
- Schools in Shetland closed Monday, with delayed openings announced in Aberdeen.
The Met Office has issued new amber weather alerts for northern Scotland, warning of significant snowfall and continued travel disruptions extending through Monday morning. Forecasters predict widespread accumulations of 5-10cm (2-4ins) across the northeast, Highlands, and Northern Isles, with isolated areas on the mainland potentially receiving up to 20-30cm (8-12ins) of snow.
According to the Highland Council, road conditions in Easter Ross, Sutherland, and Caithness have become particularly challenging due to drifting snow and freezing temperatures overnight. Authorities have advised the public to travel only if essential. Consequently, major transit routes, including the A9 and A99 between Helmsdale and Wick, remain closed due to heavy snow, poor visibility, and significant drifting.
Network Rail reported that heavy snow in areas such as Kintore in Aberdeenshire necessitated the deployment of snowploughs to clear railway lines. Officials noted that one snowplough encountered drifts up to 1.2m (4ft) deep near Laurencekirk, underscoring the severity of the obstruction to the rail network.
Impacts on aviation and education have also been confirmed. While Aberdeen Airport remains open, Loganair has cancelled a number of flights. A spokesperson for the airline urged passengers to verify their flight status before traveling to the airport. In response to the hazardous conditions, all schools in Shetland are scheduled to be closed on Monday, while Aberdeen City Council announced that school openings would be delayed until 11:00 pending further weather assessments.
Infrastructure and Public Safety Outlook
The issuance of amber warnings highlights the continued pressure on regional transport infrastructure and municipal services as they combat severe winter conditions. With high winds exacerbating snow accumulation, the priority for local councils remains the clearance of primary arterial routes to restore critical connectivity for emergency services and essential supplies. The decision to close schools or delay their opening reflects a risk-averse strategy designed to reduce traffic volume during peak commute hours, allowing road crews additional time to render the network passable.
