Britons have been cautioned about avalanches as the nation grapples with a persistent Arctic freeze accompanied by substantial snowfall.
Avalanche warnings have been issued for six regions in Scotland, with Aberdeenshire declaring a major incident. The Met Office has also issued snow and ice alerts covering most of the UK.
Aberdeenshire Council has alerted about the likelihood of rural communities being isolated and potential power outages. Severe disruptions in road, air, and rail travel have been reported, with some train services halted due to deep snow accumulation on tracks.
The Met Office has set a yellow weather warning for ice and snow in the northern half of the country, effective until midnight. Forecasters anticipate 5-10cm of snow at elevations above 100m and up to 20cm at heights exceeding 200m, along with an ice warning for southern and western regions.
The Scottish Avalanche Information Service has identified six high-risk areas, including Creag Meagaidh, Lochaher, North and South Cairngorms, Torridon, and Glencoe, with varying levels of avalanche threats.
Aberdeenshire Council has declared a major incident due to heavy snowfall and potential icy rain, urging residents to be vigilant and assist vulnerable individuals within their communities.
The Met Office’s snow and ice warning spans from Dundee to the Isle of Skye, with expectations of snow persisting in northern Scotland and spreading down the east coast, leading to icy conditions.
Police Scotland anticipates continued snow impact in the north and north-east, advising adherence to travel guidance and cooperation with local authorities and emergency services to mitigate disruptions caused by adverse weather conditions.
Efforts are ongoing to support affected communities and maintain essential services amidst challenging weather conditions, with a recommendation for the public to check on neighbors and relatives where possible.