Weather: travel disruptions are likely as the Met Office warn of wintry conditions with an amber warning

The Met Office has issued an upgraded amber warning for snow for parts of Central, Tayside and Fife, as well as West Lothian, East and West Dunbartonshire, and North Lanarkshire.

Weather: travel disruptions are likely as Met Office warn of wintry conditions with an amber warning

It will run from 3am on Tuesday morning until 9pm that night.

The transport network is expected to face a further period of disruption following the upgraded warning in central Scotland.

A yellow warning for snow remains in place for parts of central and eastern Scotland until midnight on Wednesday.

Ice was initially predicted across the country but experts dropped that prediction in favour of snow being the primary risk.

Temperatures across the central belt are forecast to remain low today, rising from freezing to 1°C, but experts have forecast that it is expected to feel more like -5°C or -6°C.

Similarly, the north east of Scotland is expected to see temperatures close to freezing today but the Met Office has said that it will feel like -4°C or -5°C.

The current Covid-19 restrictions mean that people should not be making journeys unless they are for an essential purpose.

Potential impacts of the amber warning include long delays and cancellations on bus and rail travel. Roads may be affected by deep snow, particularly over higher routes, and

some rural communities might be cut off.

Interruptions to power supplies and telephone networks could also occur.

Operating companies continue to closely monitor the trunk road network, pre-deploying resources and are carrying out dedicated patrols and treatments, as well as providing assistance to motorists where necessary.

Specialist snow plans have been activated for key routes, such as the M8 and M80, and the Multi Agency Response Team will be operational throughout the warning period.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson, said: “We’re being warned that parts of Scotland are expected to face another period of challenging weather, with the Met Office issuing an amber snow warning for Tuesday.

“The current Covid-19 restrictions mean you should only be leaving your home for an essential purpose, so please consider if your journey is absolutely necessary before setting off."

The forecast conditions will likely cause difficult driving conditions and disruption to the wider transport network.

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