What areas in Scotland are affected by heavy snow?

Northern Scotland, including the highlands and islands, Orkney, Shetland, the Western Isles, and Aberdeenshire, are experiencing heavy snowfall.

Will schools in Scotland close due to the snow?

Some local authorities are assessing the situation, with decisions on school closures to be made by head teachers based on conditions, potentially disrupting returns on Monday.

What are the Met Office warnings for Scotland?

The Met Office has issued snow and ice warnings for northern Scotland, predicting further accumulations, drifting snow, and potentially blizzard conditions and lightning.

Home / Weather / Scotland Snow Chaos: Schools Face Closure

Scotland Snow Chaos: Schools Face Closure

3 Jan

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Summary

Heavy snow expected to disrupt school returns for thousands.
Up to 15 inches of snow recorded in some Scottish areas.
Travel warnings and ice alerts remain in place for northern Scotland.

Scotland Snow Chaos: Schools Face Closure

Heavy snow is threatening the return-to-school plans for many students in Scotland's highlands and islands. With up to 15 inches of snow already recorded in some locations, like Tomintoul, and further snowfall forecast, travel conditions are expected to be dangerous for the planned Monday return to classes in Orkney, Shetland, and Aberdeenshire. Schools in the Highland region are not scheduled to reopen until Wednesday.

Snow and ice warnings are active for northern Scotland above the central belt, including the Western Isles, Orkney, and Shetland, until noon on Monday. Forecasters predict an additional 2 to 6 inches of snow in lower areas and up to 12 inches above 200 meters in the northwest Highlands and Grampians. Drifting snow and temporary blizzard conditions are also likely, with lightning a potential hazard.

This severe weather has already caused travel disruptions, including the isolation of a doctor in Huntly, Aberdeenshire, who was later provided with shelter. ScotRail has reported cancellations, and overrunning engineering work has blocked Avanti West Coast lines to Glasgow and Edinburgh. The Met Office warns of potential power cuts and rural communities being cut off due to the ongoing sub-zero temperatures and heavy snow showers.