Snow chaos hits Scotland’s roads as temperatures plummet

Snow chaos has disrupted Scotland’s roads as temperatures plummet across the country, with several weather warnings in place. Drivers are being urged to exercise caution while travelling as new alerts warn of strong winds and icy conditions. From Thurso to Dumfries, an alert starting at 9pm on Tuesday is set to last until 10am on December 4. One incident involved a FedEx lorry sliding off the A9 road near Dalwhinnie, with the driver sustaining minor injuries. Additionally, vehicles near Glentruim off the A9 were overturned due to heavy snowfall. In the central belt, roads outside Glen Ogle in Forth Valley were blocked by snow, prompting police to advise drivers to avoid the area. The wintry weather is expected to clear quickly, but plunging temperatures may lead to icy roads on untreated surfaces.

Met Office meteorologist Honor Criswick stated, “Snow is still falling on high ground across Scotland, and we may even see flurries of snow across the Pennines at times too.” Later in the week, a wind warning is anticipated in the far north, starting at 4pm on Wednesday and lasting until 9am on Thursday. Gusts of 50-60mph are expected in most affected areas, with coastal regions possibly experiencing gales of 60-75mph. The warning covers the far north, including the Highlands, Na h-Eileanan Siar, Argyll & Bute, and the Orkney and Shetland Islands. Pedestrians and cyclists are advised to stick to main roads and less slippery paths, while drivers should allocate extra time for journeys, check road conditions, and be prepared to adjust travel plans if necessary. In response to the incident involving the FedEx lorry, a company official expressed relief that the driver only suffered minor injuries and commended the emergency services for their response.

In conclusion, the unpredictable weather in Scotland has led to challenging conditions on the roads, necessitating caution and preparedness from all travellers. Stay updated on weather alerts and road conditions to ensure safe travels during this winter season.