Parts of Angus, Perthshire and Fife could be blanketed with snow this weekend, leaving drivers stranded, public transport disrupted and rural communities cut off for “several days”, forecasters have warned.
The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning, its second highest alert level, after upgrading its existing alerts.
The latest update from the forecaster is in place from midnight on Friday until 6pm on Saturday.
Dundee looks set to avoid the worst of the weather – although a yellow snow warning is currently in force for the city until noon on Sunday.
Roads could be blocked off and vehicles stranded
The forecaster warns residents of the affected areas that they are likely to experience persistent, heavy snow that could cause “significant disruption” to utilities and transport.
⚠️⚠️ Amber weather warning issued ⚠️⚠️
Snow across parts of Scotland
Friday 0000 – Saturday 1800Heavy and persistent #snow is likely to lead to significant disruption to transport and utilities ❄️❄️
Latest info 👉 https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs
Stay #WeatherAware⚠️⚠️ pic.twitter.com/457DOIILHw
— Met Office (@metoffice) February 3, 2021
Long delays and cancellations on bus, rail and air travel could occur, roads may be blocked by deep snow, leaving passengers and vehicles stranded, and some communities could be cut off for several days.
The weather could also lead to “long interruptions to power supplies and other services”, the warning states, including phone coverage, water and gas.
“By Friday, snow is expected to become more widespread, persistent and heavy, and will settle at increasingly low levels,” the Met Office said.
© Supplied by Met Office
“The heaviest snowfall should clear later on Saturday. Fresh snowfall totals of 10-15cm is possible at low-levels, with 20-30cm accumulating above about 150m.
“Some high ground exposed to strong easterly winds could see as much as 50cm building up by Saturday evening.
“However some places close to the east coast may see only small amounts of snow settling.
“The strong easterly winds will likely lead to drifting snow, temporary blizzard conditions, and ice forming on exposed power lines and phone masts.”
The yellow weather warning covering the rest of Tayside and Fife remains unchanged. It is in place until noon on Sunday.
