A severe yellow weather warning has been issued for Aberdeen and large parts of Aberdeenshire due to icy conditions following turbulent weather over the weekend. The Met Office's alert was activated at 9pm on December 22 and will remain effective until 10am on December 23. This follows severe wind warnings previously set for both Saturday and Sunday, leaving travel disrupted across Scotland.
The Met Office reported, "Icy patches on untreated surfaces may lead to locally difficult travel conditions overnight and Monday morning." This caution follows swiftly after the region experienced significant fluctuations in temperature, ushering in the risk of icy roads for residents across affected areas including Aberdeen city, Stonehaven, and Royal Deeside—encompassing towns such as Banchory, Aboyne, and Ballater.
After dealing with the harsh realities of weekend travel pressures and adverse weather, residents have been advised to take extra precautions to mitigate risks of slips and falls on the ice. The notice encourages individuals to remain aware of their surroundings and step with care.
Alongside the icy threats, the weekend saw other disruptive weather effects, including the cancellation of 18 CalMac ferry routes as strong winds swept the region. Gusts of 82mph were recorded at Kirkwall and South Uist, which positioned these locations among the most impacted weather-wise throughout the UK on Sunday afternoon. CalMac cited winds reaching up to 60 mph as the reason for suspending services including the Troon to Brodick ferry.
Travel across Scotland faced widespread obstacles, described as part of what some termed as a "perfect storm" of weather and holiday congestion. Reports suggested up to seven million leisure trips were undertaken on major roads over the weekend as families sought to make the Christmas getaway.
Specifically, roads closed due to the ferocious conditions included sections on the M74 and A9. A four-vehicle collision prompted closures on the M74 southbound at Junction 2, Rutherglen, overnight, with lanes only reopening early Monday morning. Meanwhile, the A9 near Dalnaspidal was also negatively impacted by adverse conditions.
Train services weren't spared either. ScotRail confirmed major disruptions as lines between Perth and Dunkeld & Birnam were rendered impassable due to obstructions caused by the weather. Travelers were advised to check for updates on service statuses as conditions were continually monitored.
The Met Office's meteorological viewpoint on the upcoming week suggests conditions should improve significantly, offering hope particularly to those who may have faced difficulties over the holiday period. Meteorologist Dan Stroud indicated, "We’re expecting to see some sunny spells... and it will be extremely mild over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day." Temperature predictions suggest Christmas celebrations may lack the typical wintry charm but promise to remain comfortably moderate.
Temperatures on Christmas Eve could soar to 12C and 13C, much higher than the year’s seasonal average of about 7C to 8C. Meanwhile, calm winds are forecasted, signaling the end of challenging conditions and the beginning of much-improved weather for residents and travelers. Stroud noted, "We will be around double where we usually are" as people gear up to enjoy their festive plans with more favorable conditions.
With the yellow ice warning encouraging vigilance among residents, and travel disruptions easing, it looms as a ‘grey Christmas’ for many. Families may enjoy mild weather and sunny spells, proving to be good news for holiday gatherings and festivities.
