Scotland’s weather: Prepare for extreme conditions year-round, Scots told

THE latest official ‘winter’ advice warns people in Scotland to prepare for extreme conditions year-round as the next onslaught of severe weather is forecast to hit at the end of the week.

• Survey shows minority of people feel ready for severe weather

• Campaign launched to ready commuters for hazardous conditions

The annual Scottish Government public awareness campaign for the winter months urges people to be ready for all forms of severe weather in every season.

It is the first time that Scots are being encouraged to ‘think ahead’ and gear up for all kinds of severe weather at any time of year, rather than just in the winter.

The warning follows some of the worst weather in decades as a series of floods, gales and heavy snows have battered the nation.

It comes as a new survey commissioned by the government and the British Red Cross, which helps to run the campaign, revealed that the public are still woefully underprepared for weather-related problems.

About three quarters of motorists asked thought that all they needed to cope with hazardous driving conditions was an ice-scraper and de-icer.

Around two out of every three people admitted that they did not feel prepared for severe weather.

David Miller, Red Cross operations director for East Scotland, said: “Last winter was the mildest in years, yet many people in Scotland still suffered hardship and inconvenience due to high winds and flooding which resulted in temporary loss of utilities and caused great damage.

“We cannot legislate for the weather but we can make life easier for ourselves if we take a few simple steps to prepare for it.

“This time we are urging the people of Scotland to be ready for all types of severe weather, which can strike at any time of the year - not just during winter.”

Forecasters have predicted snow this weekend as a new cold snap arrives which is set to last into next month.