Snow heads south as severe weather cripples Scotland
Solid ice breaks snow ploughs’ blades on the M8 as Scottish authorities warn drivers not to venture onto the treacherous roads unless “absolutely essential”, with snow showers set to continue.
A band of sleet and snow is set to move south from Scotland across northern England this afternoon, the Met Office has forecast, while northern parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland will battle further snow showers.
With temperatures expected to fall to -20C tonight in the Highlands, the Met warned motorists of more black ice on the roads.
Scotland’s Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson apologised today after hundreds of motorists were stranded overnight. He admitted that yesterday’s weather forecast “did not meet the requirements” and said it may be some time before the roads were “back to anything approaching normal”.
The gritting operation will not have had a significant impact on the ice that has built up on roads across the region Scottish Police
Strathclyde Police, Central Scotland Police, Lothian and Borders Police, and Transport Scotland released a combined statement that said: “Due to the extremely cold temperatures experienced across the central belt overnight, the gritting operation that has been carried out will not have had a significant impact on the ice that has built up on roads across the region.
“People are therefore advised not to travel this morning unless it is absolutely essential.
“The situation is being closely and constantly monitored.”
Temperatures plummeted to minus 13C in Edinburgh and minus 11C in Glasgow overnight.
Severe snow to hit northern England warns Met Office
Two satellite images, courtesy of NEODAAS / University of Dundee, showing the spread of snow from 6 Dec (left) to 7 Dec (right).
Motorists
Traffic Scotland has warned that the M8 and M80 corridors are suffering from “multiple breakdowns and incidents”.
The M876 is now open with traffic moving slowly, while the M9 southbound is closed from Keir Roundabout to Pirnhall, as is the M80 southbound from Stirling to Bankhead due to snow and ice.
Central Scotland Police said they had been contacting stranded drivers to offer hotel accommodation or Red Cross hot drinks and food.
Snow ploughs damaged
Mr Stevenson told BBC Radio Scotland: “We prepared for one set of weather yesterday morning – we had weather greater than we were ready for.”
I can’t reiterate strongly enough: please don’t travel unless you have to Fiona Taylor, Strathclyde Police
Despite “heroic efforts”, Scotland is battling temperatures so low that salt is no longer working on the roads, he said.
“We’ve actually seen snow ploughs damaged by the solidarity of the ice on the M8,” Mr Stevenson added.
Fiona Taylor, Assistant Chief Constable of Strathclyde Police, said it was “an ongoing battle” to try to keep the roads open.
She added: “It’s very, very icy at the minute. We’ve had snow ploughs breaking their blades this morning trying to clear snow.
“I can’t reiterate strongly enough: please don’t travel unless you have to.”
Education
Glasgow University has cancelled all exams scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday. The university said: “Due to adverse weather conditions in and around Glasgow, University staff and students should avoid travelling into Glasgow unless absolutely necessary.” The exams will be rescheduled for January.
Edinburgh University has resumed its exam schedule after postponing yesterday’s timetable.
The severe weather has shut down all schools in North and South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire Council, Glasgow City and East Renfrewshire.
Around 150 people – including 100 children – spent the night in classrooms at Hamilton Academy in South Lanarkshire after gridlocked roads and brought the region to a vitual standstill.
Airports
Glasgow and Edinburgh Airports were open today after closing yesterday due to the weather conditions, but officials warned travellers to check with their airlines.
Belfast International and London City Airports also warned of delays and cancellations due to fog and freezing weather. Heathrow Airport is opening with most flights operating. Heathrow said some airlines are experiencing cancellations or delays due to snow disruption and advises passengers to check with their airlines.
Gatwick Airport is also operating as normal today. However it said severe weather in Scotland is causing cancellations and delays to flights to and from Scotland.
Railways
On the railways, the East Coast line between London and Edinburgh was still running a reduced service, and some Northern Rail services in Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire were cancelled.
Weather forecast
Misty low cloud is due to develop in the south tonight, but it will remain clear across the north. There will be plenty of wintry sunshine tomorrow, the Met said, but will be another cold day with temperatures struggling to hit highs of 3C.
The charts are showing potential snow showers in eastern areas next week MeteoGroup
Temperatures are expected to climb by Thursday, rising to above zero in most places across the country. MeteoGroup has forecast a change in the wind from easterly to north-westerly, bringing milder conditions.
However, the group warned that respite from the cold will be brief – with air temperatures cooling again next week.
“The charts are showing an east or north-east set-up, with potential snow showers in eastern areas next week,” Brendan Jones from MeteoGroup said.