Scotland is Under a Travel Warning as Storm Bert hits with Snow and Rain

It is still snowing, windy, and rainy in Scotland, and police urge people not to drive unless necessary.

Snow and ice warnings for Storm Bert have been issued for Scotland, warning people not to travel unless necessary.

“Heavy rain, strong winds, and disruptive snow” are expected over the weekend in parts of the UK. Heavy snowfall has led to yellow weather warnings for Saturday and Sunday across Scotland.

Travel times will probably increase due to spray and flooding on roads, and some areas may suffer power cuts. Previous amber weather warnings affected parts of Highlands, Aberdeenshire, Perth and Kinross, and Angus.

Snow was again forecast for the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway until noon on Saturday. The weather services have issued several yellow alerts, predicting up to 40cm of snow on higher ground.

Scotland was under a yellow rain and snow warning on Saturday, which took effect at 4 am. Met Office officials warned that heavy snow may disrupt Saturday night’s travel due to a rapid thaw and subsequent rain.

Storm Bert hit Scotland on Saturday at 5 am, disrupting the country with gusts up to 70mph. Storm damage is most likely to be felt along the coast.

Several forecasters warned of traffic disruptions, flooding, and injuries due to ice. Rural communities are at risk of being cut off from the rest of the world, according to the Met Office. Snow and freezing temperatures have plagued Scotland for the past week.

A risk of falling ice has forced the closure of Queensferry Crossing. In response to ice falling from the bridge’s stay cables above the carriageway, BEAR Scotland tore down the bridge at 10:20 p.m.

Motorway traffic on the M90 has been halted during the installation of automated barriers at either end of the Queensferry Crossing.

When forecasts suggest that ice could form on the Queensferry Crossing’s cables, we always dispatch patrols to monitor the situation. “Having observed ice falling, we have decided to close the bridge.”.

Traffic is being diverted via the Forth Road Bridge, and we expect it back in motion within an hour. To avoid delays, motorists should follow Red X signs for safety. Otherwise, they may have to wait longer for the diversion to occur.

During this severe weather event, we appreciate road users’ patience and understanding. Further updates will be provided in due course.”

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Several vehicles have crashed along the A68 near St Boswells in the Scottish Borders following “adverse” weather conditions. An M74 section was closed on Saturday morning after a single-vehicle crash.

One man has been hospitalized after a motorcycle crash. Glasgow’s southbound carriageway at junction 13 to 14 is closed, according to Traffic Scotland.

“Extremely poor” driving conditions have prompted Traffic Scotland to urge drivers to exercise caution.

According to ScotRail, Aberdeen-Inverurie and Inverness-Elgin routes will be suspended as of noon Monday.

Several routes have been restricted due to speed restrictions implemented by the rail operator.

Before traveling, customers are advised to check their journey.

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Police Scotland recommended that people avoid roads unless they are “absolutely” necessary.

“When driving on ice or snow, keep a good distance from the motorist ahead.”, said superintendent Vinnie Fisher. According to him, there is an increase of up to 10x in stopping distances on wet roads in comparison with dry roads.

Ensure your window washer levels are adequate before you drive. If you fail to comply, you will be fined.

Storm Bert, named by Met Eireann on Thursday, brings our second storm of the season as we approach the weekend.

There will be the strongest winds offshore Saturday morning, but conditions will gradually improve across Scotland as the day goes on.

Rain and snow are the first warnings of the day, which cover the vast majority of the country. First thing Saturday morning, Storm Bert will bring heavy and persistent rain.

During the afternoon, when the rain bumps into our cold air, it will turn to snow before rapidly melting and becoming rain again for the remainder of the day.

On higher ground, accumulations will be significant, but even down to lower elevations, 2-3cm can be expected to accumulate. Rain will mainly fall as the storm progresses and milder air moves in through the afternoon.

Our second warning kicks in at 5 am, a yellow wind warning for western and eastern coasts. It is possible that gusts of up to 60-70mph can be seen along exposed coastal areas and on higher ground throughout the day.

A winter weather warning for snow and ice covers parts of the Highlands and Argyll and Bute starting at 7 am. The area will be affected by significant snowfall, strong winds, ice risks, and freezing rain.

Hazardous conditions are not limited to this warning area. After storm Bert sticks around for most of Sunday and Monday, it finally starts to clear up on Tuesday morning, with brisk temperatures once again on Tuesday.

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