Further wintry weather on way

Published on Saturday 22 November 2008 18:37

SCOTLAND was last night braced for more wintry weather as an Arctic blast swept across Britain.

The Met Office has issued advisory weather warnings across all five of Scotland's mainland regions, meaning it is almost 60% confident of some severe or extreme weather.

Many in the eastern side of Scotland yesterday woke up to a few centimetres of snow. The snowy front is predicted to move west across the country this morning, turning to heavy rain by the time it reaches the coast. Continuing light snow and heavy rain falling on frozen surfaces is expected to form widespread ice as the day progresses.

Today should be a bright but cold and windy day, with heavy blustery showers also expected in the west.

Northlink has cancelled all ferries between Lerwick and Aberdeen until 7pm because of the predicted extreme weather.

Aberdeenshire was worst hit yesterday, with the A93 at the Spittal of Glenshee closed earlier in the day, although police later said this was passable.

The A939 at Glenshee and between Cockbridge and Tomintoul was closed, as well as the B974 Fettercairn-Cairn O'Mount road. The snow had to be cleared from the pitch this morning at Pittodrie stadium to ensure Scotland's rugby international with Canada went ahead.

The A9 was down to one lane earlier at Drumochter due to snow, although Northern Constabulary later said there were no other closures despite sporadic snowfall.

Bookmaker William Hill has reported record betting levels on the weather already and has cut the odds on snow falling on Christmas Day in London from 8/1 to 6/1, and Glasgow is now as short as 7/2.

William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams said: "We have never had so much money in the book with over a month to go.

"If it snows we will be paying out millions to our customers."

According to the Department for Transport, more road accidents occur in the last three months of each year than during any other quarter. The Scottish Government has reported that 282 people died in 2007 on the country's roads, 160 of whom were in cars. This is the lowest level of fatalities since records began 50 years ago.

The Highway Code recommends that drivers check local weather reports before travelling, and also check weather reports along their route and at their final destination. If warnings of icy roads are in place it is advisable to travel only if your journey is absolutely necessary.

Drivers are warned to be especially careful on rural roads, as these are where 70% of motoring fatalities occur. Police recommend sticking to main roads and motorways.

Drivers are encouraged to pack an emergency kit including de-icer, an ice scraper, a torch, warm clothing and boots, a first-aid kit, jump leads and a shovel, a hot flask and some food. All windows and mirrors should be completely cleared and de-iced before driving.

Roads can be dangerous even if they have already been treated by gritters, so it is extremely important to maintain a greater distance from the car in front. Icy conditions can increase stopping distances by as much as 10 times.