STORM Bert is set to bring a “multi-hazard event” to Scotland tomorrow following a cold snap across the country.
The Met Office has issued several weather warnings, including an amber alert for snow and ice.
Heavy snow will spread north eastwards on Saturday morning, giving significant accumulations in many areas[/caption]
Storm Bert is set to bring a “multi-hazard event” to Scotland[/caption]
An amber warning for snow and ice is one of the many alerts in place[/caption]
The storm is set to reach the country on Saturday, bringing in “heavy rain, strong winds and disruptive snow to parts of the UK through the weekend”.
And this could potentially cause travel disruption and flooding in some areas.
The amber warning for snow and ice kicks in at 7am on Saturday and lasts until 5pm.
The warning covers parts of Angus, Perth and Kinross, Stirlingshire, Aberdeenshire and some of the Highlands and Argyll and Bute.
A yellow warning for wind starts at 5am on Saturday and lasts to 7pm.
It will affect Angus, Fife, Perth and Kinross, Stirling, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Na h-Eileanan Siar, Highland, Dumfries and Galloway, East Lothian, Midlothian Council, Scottish Borders, Argyll and Bute, East Ayrshire, East Renfrewshire, Inverclyde, North Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire and South Lanarkshire.
Met Office spokesman Oli Claydon said Storm Bert was a “multi-hazard event”.
He said: “We’re looking at strong winds, some high snowfall accumulation, heavy rain, all in various different parts of the UK.
“So it’s quite a complex weather set-up for the weekend. Generally speaking, it’s a very unsettled weekend of weather ahead.”
He advised the public to keep an eye on the weather in their areas.
“Because of the different nature of the weather across the UK, people really need to have an idea of what the forecast is for them specifically.
“Further south it’s wind and rain, further north it’s snow then rain and wind. So it really depends on where you are in the UK. Keep on top of the forecast for your area, and prepare as necessary.
“Obviously, with snow and ice there could be some pretty tricky conditions, especially in the morning (on Saturday), so if you are going to leave the house pay attention to what’s going on in your area with the local authorities.”
A second yellow warning for rain and snow affects all of Scotland from 4am to 9am on Saturday morning.
Heavy snow will spread north eastwards on Saturday morning, giving significant accumulations in many areas.
Accumulations of 10-20 cm are likely on ground typically above 200m, with potentially as much as 20-40 cm on high ground above 400m.
Snow accumulations of 10-20 cm are likely on ground typically above 200m[/caption]
The storm will bring in heavy rain, strong winds and disruptive snow to parts of the UK[/caption]
Snow will eventually revert to rain during Saturday afternoon, but may be preceded by a short spell of freezing rain in places adding to the ice risk.
Strengthening winds will lead to drifting of lying snow, with difficult travelling conditions likely on higher level routes.
There is a small chance that injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties, as well as flying debris.
RAC Breakdown spokeswoman Alice Simpson warned drivers to be aware of “rapidly changing conditions” on the roads because of Storm Bert.
She said: “Persistent downpours will lead to areas of standing water, so it’s important to keep speeds down as the risk of losing control through aquaplaning on a thin layer of water is far greater.
“Drivers should also be very wary of puddles as they can sometimes hide dangerous potholes beneath that can cause expensive damage to vehicles.
“Strong winds increase the risk of debris falling into the road which makes journeys more challenging, particularly in exposed coastal areas where drivers might be at risk of being buffeted off course.
“Routes in Scotland, especially rural ones, look likely to face disruption from fresh snow that is forecast on Friday and Saturday. We encourage motorists to stick to major roads where possible and take extra care in the worst-affected areas.
“Those who have to drive should stay tuned to weather forecasts and allow plenty of time to de-ice and de-mist your vehicle, as it’s dangerous and illegal to drive looking out of a small gap in a frozen windscreen.”
