Police issue advice following further Amber weather warning
Police travel advice has been issued following a further Amber weather warning for snow across large parts of north and northeast Scotland.
The Met Office has issued an Amber weather warning for heavy and persistent snow affecting parts of Highlands and Grampian areas, along with Highland Perthshire and north Angus.
This warning is in place from 11am until 7pm on Tuesday, 6 January.
Within the Amber warning area, a further 5-10cm of snow is expected widely on Tuesday afternoon with 15cm in places, particularly on higher ground/roads above 200m.
Regardless of the level of weather warning, there has been significant snowfall across the Highland and Grampian regions over the last week and impacts from the weather are likely to continue to be felt for the coming days.
There is a continued risk of travel disruption, stranded vehicles, some communities becoming cut off due to the additional snow, and interruption to power supplies and other services.
This warning, along with a Yellow Warning for snow and ice valid throughout Tuesday for much of northern Scotland, also warns that injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces are likely.
The latest Amber warning brings an increased risk of:
• Travel delays on roads, with some vehicles and passengers potentially stranded
• Delays or cancellations to rail and air services
• Some rural communities becoming cut off
• Power cuts and disruption to services, including mobile coverage
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell said: “Local resilience partnerships are continuing to meet to co-ordinate and deliver the response to disruption experienced by communities in the north and north east of Scotland following heavy snowfall over the weekend.
“We have been working closely with resilience partners across local authorities, other emergency service partners, transport partners, NHS and health and social care partnerships, and other local organisations to support communities affected by adverse weather and keep public services open where possible. Some services may be impacted by adverse weather, and I would encourage the public to check on neighbours or relatives, if they are able to do so safely.
“Heavy snow and ice means driving conditions are likely to continue to be hazardous in some areas. Our advice is to plan ahead and consider if your journey is really necessary.
“If you need to travel, please fully clear your vehicle windows of snow and ice before you drive, drive to the conditions, be prepared for delays and allow extra time for your journey.”
Police Scotland has been coordinating the response, working closely with partners across local authorities, other emergency services, transport partners, NHS and health and social care partnerships and other local organisations to support communities affected and keep public services open where possible.
Local authorities have been working around the clock to clear routes but have been hampered by the significant volume of snow experienced. Their teams will continue to treat routes and our advice to the public is to consider if travel is necessary or could be delayed until conditions improve.
Community and volunteer groups have also been helping with the response to the snow, particularly COTAG 4x4 who have been transporting essential staff into work and supporting members of the public.
Food deliveries have continued to be made throughout the region, including to island communities.
NHS services across Orkney, Shetland, Highland and Grampian have useful information on their websites and social media channels about access to care and services. Additionally, health and social care partnerships are supporting vulnerable people as needed.
Full details of the warning and what you should do can be found on the Met Office website.
Emergency contacts
Power
You can call 105 free of charge in the event of a power cut to report or get information about your area.
Electricity suppliers also provide information on their websites on what to do if your power goes off.
Water supply
You can report issues with water supply to Scottish Water on 0800 0778 778 or find further information on their website.
Flooding
Information on flood alerts and warnings is available through the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. You can find more information on their website.
General advice for road users
• Plan ahead and avoid unnecessary travel
• All road users should consider if they really need to travel during adverse weather.
• Consider delaying travel until conditions improve
• If you are travelling on the roads, prepare yourself and your vehicle for the conditions
• Ensure your mobile phone is charged and plan your journey, including an alternative route
• Have sufficient fuel, warm clothing, food and water in case you’re delayed
• Do not ignore road closure signs – they are for your safety
• Congestion caused by vehicles may restrict emergency services and recovery vehicles from providing essential assistance
• Listen to media broadcasts, including radio, for updates Traffic Scotland radio player or visit Traffic Scotland trunk road traffic updates and route planner
• Follow your local authority for the latest updates in your area via Facebook, X or their website.
• Other information can be found on the Met Office, Ready Scotland. For public transport information visit Traveline Scotland.