Severe winter weather has gripped the UK, with particularly harsh conditions reported across Scotland as yellow and amber weather warnings remain effective. Millions returned to work this week after the festive holidays, facing hazardous travel and freezing temperatures.
According to the Met Office, there are warnings for snow and ice effective until 12:00 PM on Monday. Southern and north-eastern regions of Scotland are under alerts, with forecasts predicting as much as 20cm of snow accumulation, especially in the higher areas of the Borders and southern Lothians. It was reported temperatures plunged overnight to as low as -11°C, creating perilous conditions for commuters.
"Difficult driving conditions" have been anticipated, as ice is expected to form on pavements and roads across the country, coupled with lying snow at higher elevations. The Met Office noted about 10cm of snow could blanket places like Aberdeenshire and the Moray region, impacting travel across the country.
Transport Scotland has urged commuters to plan their journeys carefully and check for updates before setting out. Gritters took to the roads over the weekend, with Amey company reporting they stocked approximately 24,000 tonnes of road salt in anticipation of severe conditions. Gritter driver George McLellan emphasized the challenges posed by traffic during busy periods, stating, "To try and get the grit down is difficult. People tailgate and get too close to you. Everyone's rushing." He added, "We're always first out on the roads… we are equipped to handle the slippery conditions."
Train services also faced significant disruption, particularly for ScotRail, which canceled several routes due to landslips caused by the inclement weather. Communications director David Ross reassured travelers about operational plans, stating, "Our plan is to run full service on Monday morning for people going back to work." He acknowledged their readiness for potential challenges, indicating special trains to de-ice tracks were on standby.
A broader weather system is also affecting travel beyond railways, with reports of snow potentially blanketing over 300 miles from Scotland down to Wales. Weather maps suggested snow depths could reach up to 27cm around Inverness, spreading to northern England where Manchester could expect about 21cm.
Forecasts indicated persistent winter weather throughout the week, with the Met Office alerting about "unsettled weather, predicting snow across the north" and potentially reaching southern areas by mid-week. Meteorologist Calum MacColl noted various parts of Scotland would experience rain, sleet, and snow, confirming continuing freezing temperatures were expected.
The government has also issued numerous flood warnings due to the snow melt combined with upcoming rain, which could result in flooding across low-lying areas. There were over 40 flood warnings and more than 250 flood alerts reported, indicating high risks due to saturated ground conditions.
Over the weekend, numerous flights faced cancellations and diversions across UK airports, primarily due to snowy conditions. A Singapore Airlines flight encountered severe landing challenges, being diverted twice from Manchester to Gatwick. Leeds Bradford airport also saw multiple flight delays and cancellations as heavy snow disrupted operations. Airport authorities remain optimistic, stating plans are underway to alleviate travel issues, emphasizing cooperation between ground teams and airlines.
With weather forecasts predicting continued snowfall, particularly affecting northern Scotland, officials are advising the public to remain vigilant and updated on local weather conditions. Areas such as the Highlands and the east of the country are particularly vulnerable to severe weather impacts, including risks of ice and snow as temperatures consistently hover below freezing.
Drivers and travelers are also advised to stay away from swollen rivers to avoid risk as significant water levels could pose danger along roads and paths. According to forecasts from the Met Office, conditions will remain unstable throughout the week, urging residents to prepare for more snow showers and icy conditions as temperatures slide even lower.
Deputy Chief Forecaster Mike Silverstone reinforced the sentiment around the continuing cold air flowing across the entire UK, hinting at possible weather warnings throughout the week as the situation develops. The emphasis on readiness and caution remains key as the UK deals with the ramifications of severe winter weather. Authorities continue to monitor changing conditions closely, prepared to respond as needed as adverse weather affects the daily lives of residents across affected regions.