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Forecasters have issued new amber weather alerts for significant snowfall across much of northern Scotland, beginning on Sunday evening. The Met Office predicts that between 5 and 10 centimeters (2 to 4 inches) of snow could accumulate widely throughout the northeast, the Highlands, and the Northern Isles. Certain mainland areas might even experience heavier snowfall, with totals of 20 to 30 centimeters (8 to 12 inches) possible. Recent snowfalls have already created hazardous driving conditions, leading to multiple incidents where vehicles became stuck.
These amber warnings, which also include alerts about strong winds, are effective from 18:00 on Sunday through until 10:00 on Monday—coinciding with the day many schools are scheduled to reopen following the holiday break. Some local councils have already announced school closures in response to the conditions. In addition to these amber alerts, a yellow warning for snow and ice has been issued for areas north of Glasgow and Fife, while a separate warning covers parts of East Lothian and the Scottish Borders through Monday and Tuesday morning.
The challenging road conditions are particularly severe in Easter Ross, Sutherland, and Caithness, according to Highland Council. Drifting snow and freezing temperatures have made travel hazardous, and the council has advised residents to journey only if absolutely necessary. Due to heavy snowfall, poor visibility, and drifting snow, both the A9 and A99 routes between Helmsdale and Wick remain closed. Despite deploying 32 gritters in Aberdeenshire on Sunday morning, some sections of the road network remain impassable. Drivers on the AWPR bypass near Aberdeen encountered considerable difficulties during the day.
Rail travel has also been affected by the weather. Network Rail reported dispatching snowploughs to clear tracks in areas such as Kintore in Aberdeenshire and further north toward Wick. One snowplough recorded encountering drifts as deep as 1.2 meters (4 feet) near Laurencekirk. ScotRail warned that train services between Aberdeen and Inverness, Aberdeen and Dundee, and Inverness to Wick and Thurso are unlikely to operate until at least midday. Meanwhile, flight cancellations have also occurred: Loganair called off several Sunday flights, although Aberdeen Airport remains open. Passengers have been encouraged to verify their flight status before traveling. Sumburgh Airport in Shetland has canceled all Sunday flights, and all Shetland schools will remain closed on Monday following the amber alert. Aberdeen City Council announced that its schools’ reopening will be delayed until 11:00 on Monday, with breakfast clubs also closed, while primary schools in Moray have arranged for home learning due to closures. Updates from head teachers are expected on Monday morning to keep families informed
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