Residents advised to prepare for icy patches and difficult travel conditions overnight.
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Weather warning for icy conditions
Residents in Aberdeenshire, Moray, and the Highlands are bracing for icy conditions as the Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning effective from 9 PM tonight. Following a day of heavy rain and strong winds, icy patches are anticipated to form on untreated roads, footpaths, and cycle paths, creating potential hazards for commuters and travelers.
Impact of weather on travel
The Met Office has cautioned that wintry conditions may lead to difficult travel scenarios overnight and into Monday morning. The warning remains in effect until 10 AM tomorrow, urging residents to exercise caution. Areas such as Aberdeen, parts of Aberdeenshire, Moray, and the Highlands are included in the warning zone, which extends south beyond Stonehaven and west to Banchory, Ballater, Westhill, Dyce, and Inverurie.
Advice for residents
Residents are advised to allocate extra time for their journeys and to check public transport services in advance. The snow gates on the A93 at Braemar and Spittal of Glenshee have been closed since this morning, and the A939 snow gates at Cock Bridge and Tomintoul were also shut this evening. With the combination of icy conditions and previous heavy rainfall, the roads may become treacherous, making it essential for drivers to remain vigilant.
Recent weather events
Today’s weather warning follows a day marked by consistent heavy rain and strong winds across much of the country. Coastal areas experienced gusts of up to 70 mph, and the warning was extended by an additional 24 hours. The Museum of Scottish Lighthouse in Fraserburgh recorded winds reaching 100 mph at Kinnaird Head on Sunday morning, highlighting the severity of the weather conditions. The sea swell at Orkney caused water to crash over the Churchill Barriers, while strong gusts in Inverurie led to damage to Christmas lights near the Town Hall.
Travel disruptions
The severe windy weather has resulted in the cancellation of several NorthLink and CalMac ferry services. On the final weekend before Christmas, sailings between Aberdeen and Orkney/Shetland were significantly reduced, alongside 30 routes on the West Coast. Train services have also been altered due to reduced speeds, and some bus services were canceled as a precaution against the high winds.
Conclusion
As icy conditions loom, it is crucial for residents in the affected areas to stay informed and prepared. Monitoring weather updates and adjusting travel plans accordingly can help ensure safety during this challenging weather period.
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