Many parts of the north of Scotland are struggling to cope with the heavy snowfall
Wintry conditions have resulted in many roads being closed
Amber weather warnings have been issued as wintry conditions are anticipated to worsen across the UK.
On Sunday morning, a new amber weather warning was issued for snow in parts of Scotland – covering Aberdeen, Aviemore in the Cairngorms, and Ullapool, Ross-shire.
It begins at 6pm on Sunday and expires at 10am on Monday, and forecasts “heavy snow” and travel disruption. A yellow warning for snow and ice covers much of Scotland north of Glasgow, and expires at midnight on Monday.
The warnings cover much of the Highlands and Aberdeenshire areas, Orkney, Shetland, and Outer Hebridean Islands, from Sunday evening until 10am on Monday – with the potential for another 5-10cm of snow accumulating at low levels, with the potential for 20-30cm on high ground.
READ MORE: Met Office issues four weather warnings for snow and ice as Scotland set to be battered by as much as 40cm of snow
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The Met Office warned that people living in the regions covered by the amber weather warning could expect travel disruption, and that rural communities could become cut off. It also warned of flights potentially being cancelled, and that mobile phone coverage could be impacted.
Snowploughs are being used to clear railway lines in the north of Scotland, while some roads have been deemed “impassable”.
A snow plough struggles through the snow at Brora, Sutherland(Image: Peter Jolly)
Network Rail said heavy snow in areas such as Kintore, Aberdeenshire, has seen snowploughs dispatched to clear the railway line, as well as further north on the line to Wick.
Some 32 gritters were sent out in Aberdeenshire on Sunday morning and parts of the road network are said to be “impassable” Kennethmont in Aberdeenshire is said to have been hit with particularly heavy snow, according to Network Rail.
A Met Office spokesperson said: “Heavy snow showers will become more frequent and may merge to give longer spells of snow at times.
“The areas and period covered by this warning are when the heaviest and most disruptive snow is thought most likely during the current cold spell, with existing yellow warnings covering a wider area and a longer period.”
Scottish Cabinet secretary for transport, Fiona Hyslop, said: “We’ve already seen challenging conditions and freezing temperatures, with more snow and ice on the way for the same areas.
“Of course for many Monday marks a return to work from the festive break. If you have to travel then please ensure your vehicle is winter ready and have a winter kit in your car.
“Follow Police Scotland travel advice. If you can delay your journey until the amber warning has expired, please do so.
“I’d also like to thank all the frontline staff such as gritter drivers, chainsaw gangs, police officers and many others who have been out working in dreadful conditions these past few days and over the next 48 hours.”
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