Severe weather impacts Aberdeenshire roads and train services

Heavy snowfall leads to road closures and train delays across Aberdeenshire.

As Storm Darragh continues to affect Scotland, the Met Office has issued a weather warning that remains in effect until 9 PM on Saturday. The severe weather has led to the closure of key roads in Aberdeenshire, including the A93 Braemar road and the A939 Cock Bridge road, both of which are now impassable due to heavy snowfall.

Road closures and travel warnings

The A93, which connects Braemar to Spittal of Glenshee, has been particularly hard hit, with snow gates closed to prevent vehicles from attempting to navigate the treacherous conditions. Similarly, the A939 from Tomintoul to Cock Bridge is also closed, as authorities prioritize safety amid the ongoing storm.

In addition to road closures, the adverse weather has caused significant disruptions to train services across the region. Passengers traveling between Aberdeen and Glasgow Queen Street may experience delays of up to 30 minutes, while services to and from Inverness are facing cancellations and revisions. The situation is expected to remain challenging throughout the day, with disruptions likely to last until at least noon on Saturday.

Impact on public transport

Train services connecting Oban and Glasgow Queen Street are also affected, with delays reported. The Met Office’s weather warning encompasses a wide area, impacting not only Aberdeenshire but also regions as far south as Pitlochry and including major routes such as the A9, A82, and A95. Residents in these areas have been cautioned about the potential for difficult driving conditions, particularly on higher routes that are more susceptible to snow accumulation.

Overnight temperatures have been relatively mild for this time of year, with Aboyne recording 4°C, Aberdeen at 5°C, and Aviemore at 2°C. However, the combination of these temperatures with the snowfall has created hazardous conditions for both drivers and train passengers.

Community response and safety measures

Local authorities are urging residents to stay updated on the weather conditions and to avoid unnecessary travel. The community is advised to check for updates on road conditions and train schedules before embarking on any journeys. The Met Office has indicated that a period of snow is expected to affect higher ground in Scotland, particularly during the evening and overnight hours.

As the situation develops, reporters are actively gathering information to provide the latest updates. Residents are encouraged to follow local news outlets, such as The Press and Journal, on social media for real-time information regarding the storm’s impact on travel and safety.