URGENT UPDATE: Hundreds of schools in northern Scotland will remain closed for a fourth consecutive day as a severe snow and ice warning continues to grip the region. The Met Office has extended a yellow weather warning until noon on Thursday, January 12, 2023, following earlier amber warnings that caused significant disruption.
The latest alert indicates that areas could see 1-2 cm of fresh snow, with accumulations of 2-5 cm expected above 200 metres, particularly in the west. Thousands of students were set to return to classes after the winter break, but heavy snowfall has delayed their return since Monday.
In Aberdeenshire, approximately 150 schools are closed, and bus services have been cancelled. The Highlands, Moray, and Orkney are also experiencing school closures, with officials on high alert for potential power cuts and isolation of rural communities.
Residents in the village of Insch, Aberdeenshire, reported nearly a foot of snow, describing the situation as “one of the worst winters in 25 years“. Local Doug Griffin stated, “There has been nothing like this since 2010; it is quite remarkable. It makes it really difficult to do anything.”
Travel has been severely impacted across Scotland, with some train lines shut due to up to 1.2 metres of snow drifted onto tracks. The A9 was temporarily closed earlier this week to recover a Royal Mail lorry that crashed off the road. While Network Rail Scotland announced that most rail lines reopened on Wednesday, challenges remain on the Inverness to Wick/Thurso line.
Highland Council has reported ongoing road closures on several routes, including the A836 and A897, due to hazardous conditions. Snow gates are also shut on the A939 and B974. In light of these developments, Police Scotland has urged residents to heed travel advice.
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell emphasized the importance of community support, stating, “Local resilience partnerships are continuing to meet to coordinate and deliver the response to disruption experienced by communities in the north and north-east of Scotland following heavy snowfall over the weekend.”
With weather conditions expected to worsen, residents are encouraged to check on neighbors and relatives, ensuring that everyone remains safe during this unprecedented winter storm.
Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops.
