SCOTS are bracing themselves for Storm Bert following days of chaotic weather.
The Met Office has warned that severe snow, ice and wind is just hours away.
Scots are bracing for Storm Bert as the Met Office issues a warning[/caption]
Neighbours brave the cold to sweep away snow[/caption]
Two King Charles Spaniels play in the white stuff[/caption]
It comes after a week-long deep freeze as temperatures plummeted overnight ahead of a frosty and icy morning.
The storm is set to reach the UK on Saturday, and the Met Office expects it to bring “heavy rain, strong winds and disruptive snow to parts of the UK through the weekend,”
These conditions could cause travel disruption and flooding.
Overnight on Thursday, the Met Office said much of the UK experienced temperatures near freezing, with the mercury falling as low as minus 6C at Tulloch Bridge in Scotland.
The forecasting body said many will wake up to a frost with icy surfaces in places with several yellow warnings for snow and ice in place across the UK until 10am on Friday.
One covering parts of Scotland is in effect until midday before a slew of further yellow alerts for wind, rain and snow go live on Saturday.
An amber alert for heavy snow and ice will be in force between 7am and 5pm on Saturday in an area north of Scotland‘s central belt.
Around 10-20cm is likely on ground above 200 metres and potentially as much as 20-40cm on hills above 400 metres.
The warning covers parts of Angus, Perth and Kinross, Stirlingshire, Aberdeenshire and some of the Highlands and Argyll and Bute.
Met Office meteorologist Honor Criswick said: “Through into Friday… snow showers are set to continue mainly around coastal areas, though once again, a few are feeding inland at times.
“There will also still be plenty of autumnal sunshine.
“Still feeling cold though, particularly in those brisk winds – once again we’re only looking at highs of around 5C, slightly higher in the southwest around 7C.
“Across the north, those temperatures are struggling to move past 2-3C.
“As we head into Friday evening, a change is coming as we introduce Storm Bert moving its way in from the Atlantic.
A Scottish town is hit by a blizzard as locals wrap up to keep warm[/caption]
“So we’ll see clouds spilling in from the southwest with outbreaks of rain – heavy at times by the time we reach Saturday morning.”
Ms Criswick said there are likely to be “heavy” outbreaks of rain throughout Saturday, “falling as snow” at times across northern parts of England and parts of Scotland.
The wintry weather affected education, with more than 114 schools shut in the Highland Council area on Thursday because of snow, including Inverness Royal Academy where pupils were told their prelim exams planned for the day will be rescheduled.
Almost 40 schools in Aberdeenshire were also shut, and many others had delayed openings.
Stopping distances can be up to ten times greater than on dry roads
Police Scotland
In Moray, around 12 were closed, and others opened late.
It comes after more than 100 schools or nurseries were closed in Scotland on Wednesday because of the weather.
Police Scotland’s “do not travel” warning covers all roads north of the central belt over the weekend.
Superintendent Vinnie Fisher, deputy head of Road Policing, said: “All road users should consider if they really need to travel in adverse weather.
“When driving on ice and snow, keep well back from the road user in front. Stopping distances can be up to ten times greater than on dry roads.
“Check your windscreen washer levels and ensure your windows are completely clear before driving. Failure to do so can result in a fine.
“Listen to media broadcasts for updates, follow Transport Scotland and the Met Office on social media and share information with others.”
