Warning of travel disruption over Christmas as parts of Scotland braced for snow, ice, rain and wind

The Met Office has yellow warnings in place for large parts of the country between now and Christmas morning

Author: Paul KellyPublished 22nd Dec 2023

People in Scotland planning to travel over Christmas are being warned to expect some disruption, with a series of yellow weather warnings from the Met Office in place between now and Christmas Day.

The north east is set to the see the worst of the wintry conditions, with warnings for snow, ice and wind in place over the next few days.

However Saturday will also see Scotland’s west coast battered with heavy rain, with public transport likely to be impacted and some homes and businesses at risk of flooding.

Here is a quick look at the warnings in place between now and Christmas Day, and the impact it is likely to have.

Friday December 22nd

The north and north east of Scotland, including Aberdeen and Inverness, are covered by a yellow warning for snow and ice from 9pm on Friday until 12pm on Saturday.

Roads and railways are likely to be affected, leading to longer journey times. People are also warned to be wary of slips and falls on icy surfaces.

Saturday December 23rd

In addition to the snow and ice warning for the north and north east continuing until midday, there is a further warning for heavy rain affecting the west of the country, affecting parts of Inverclyde, Argyll and Bute and right up to the Highlands.

The Met Office website says flooding for a small number of homes and businesses is possible, while spray on roads is likely to make journey times longer.

Bus and train services are also likely to be affected. The yellow rain warnings runs from midnight on Friday right up until 11.45pm on Saturday.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

From 12pm on Sunday until the early hours of Christmas Day wind becomes the main concern.

A yellow warning for blustery conditions covers parts of Tayside, the north east and north west and right up to the top of the country.

The Met Office says rail, air and ferry services could be affected, while there is a chance some roads and bridges could be closed.

We are also being warned to be wary of debris from buildings, and people around the coast are being urged to be particularly careful with large waves likely.

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