Road warning as ice sparks safety fears

Published on Tuesday 3 February 2009 08:53

DRIVERS across the Lothians were warned to take care today, with icy roads expected across the region.

Temperatures plummeted below zero last night and, with surfaces wet from earlier rain, sleet and snow, widespread ice affected untreated roads and pavements.

The Met Office issued a severe weather warning for widespread icy roads in Edinburgh and the Lothians, predicting "with 80 per cent or greater confidence" that severe weather is expected.

heir advice is to take extra care and refer to Traffic Scotland for further advice on road conditions.

After fine sunny spells during the day, further snow is expected from around 6pm.

Council gritters were again out in force to help minimise the risk of accidents.

Edinburgh Airport warned that flights could be disrupted, as a knock-on effect of the problems on Monday, when 84 flights were cancelled.

However, there were no problems with the first few flights out of Edinburgh this morning and several arrivals were actually expected to land ahead of schedule.

Passengers are still being advised to contact their airline before leaving for the airport as schedules may be subject to change.

Scotland largely avoided the worst of the weather at the start of the week, with expected heavy snow showers failing to materialise.

The long-range forecast is for a bright but cold weekend, with sunny spells, a sharp frost night and morning, and a chance of snow showers.