Scotland’s weather: Snow, ice and downpours ahead

SEVERE weather warnings for snow, ice and heavy rain were issued for Scotland today by the Met Office.

Severe weather warnings for snow, ice and heavy rain have been issued by the Met Office. Picture: Michael Gillen

The agency warned of “tricky” conditions for travellers and possible disruption.

Yellow - “be aware” - alerts are in force for the whole mainland away from the west coast until 10am tomorrow.

A further yellow alert for potential flooding from more than 100mm of rain in places will cover an area of the west coast between Oban and Gairloch, including Skye, from noon on Friday until midnight on Saturday night.

Today’s warning is for up to 8cm of snow on hills and 3cm on higher-level roads.

The Met Office said: “Some temporary slushy accumulations are possible to low levels in the heaviest of the showers which will be accompanied by hail.

“The public should be aware of the risk of difficult driving conditions and the possibility of some localised minor disruption.

“While conditions at lower levels will generally be improving due to the strengthening March sunshine and slightly less cold air spreading in from the west, on higher ground these showers will still be heavy enough for snow to settle on the roads.”

The Met Office warned of ice tonight, with the risk compounded by showers washing salt off roads.

It said: “Icy stretches are expected to form on untreated surfaces on Tuesday evening and last into Wednesday morning’s rush hour.

“The public should be aware of the risk of tricky travelling conditions in places.”

There will also up to another 5cm of snow on roads above 250m in northern Scotland, and also on hills further south.

The Met Office said heavy rain forecast for Friday and Saturday could cause flooding and travel disruption.

It said: “A slow-moving Atlantic front will bring a prolonged spell of wet weather to much of west and north-west Scotland within a very mild, moist south-westerly flow.

“As the very mild air is drawn in on the strong south-westerly airstream, snow melt will add to the flooding risk.

“There remains some doubt about the extent and location of the heaviest rain, so the alert will be updated as the picture becomes clearer.”

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