Scotland braced for blizzard conditions and power cuts amid ice and snow warnings
Snow and ice could cause major travel disruption, power cuts and blizzard conditions across Scotland, forecasters have warned.
By NEIL POORAN
Published: 14:11 GMT, 2 January 2026 | Updated: 14:11 GMT, 2 January 2026
Snow and ice could cause major travel disruption, power cuts and blizzard conditions across Scotland, forecasters have warned.
Yellow weather warnings for snow and ice are already in place for parts of the UK, ahead of amber snow warnings for northern Scotland which began at midday.
Heavy snowfalls have already caused difficulties for motorists in the Highlands and north-east of Scotland on New Year's Day, with warnings of blizzard-like conditions today and into the weekend.
The amber weather warnings for snow are in place until noon tomorrow, covering areas within a wider yellow weather warning.
The Met Office says the amber areas in Scotland could see power cuts and vehicles becoming stranded.
On Friday, there could be snow accumulations of up to 20cm on low ground and up to 40cm on higher ground.
Those in the affected areas have been warned the wintry conditions are likely to continue into the weekend.
Travel disruption is expected as wintry weather moves southeastwards over parts of England and Wales.
A snow plough tackles drifts in Alford, Aberdeenshire, yesterday
Derek Muirden clears the snow outside his home in the village which is around 26 miles west of Aberdeen
A yellow weather warning for snow and ice is in place throughout Friday morning for an area covering London, Greater Manchester and Cardiff.
Around 2cm of snow could fall in some areas, with up to 5cm on higher ground.
Describing the amber warning, the Met Office said: 'Heavy snow showers will become more frequent and may merge to give longer spells of snow at times.
'The area and period covered by this warning are when the heaviest and most disruptive snow is thought most likely during the current cold spell, with existing yellow warnings covering a wider area and a longer period.'
The forecaster continued: 'Windy conditions will also result in some drifting of snow and temporary blizzard conditions.'
Chief Superintendent Scott McCarren, Police Scotland's head of road policing, said: 'Our advice is to plan ahead and consider if your journey is really necessary during the bad weather or if it can be delayed until conditions improve.
'If you need to travel, please drive to the conditions, be prepared for delays and allow extra time for your journey.
'Please don't drive through road closures, the decision to close roads is not taken lightly and is done for public safety.'
Quad bikes fitted with plough were drafted in to clear the snow after the weather turned after Hogmanay