Snow forecast during wintry weekend

Feb 3 2012

The Met Office has issued weather warnings for snow forecast to fall across Scotland over the weekend.

It said that the Highlands, Grampian, Lothian and Borders, south-west Scotland, Central, Tayside and Fife are likely to be affected by sleet and snow on Saturday.

Accumulations of 2cm-5cm of snow are likely, mainly on ground above 150 metres, with 10cm on roads above 300 metres.

Sub-zero temperatures are also expected to grip the country, and temperatures inland struggled to reach just 3C during the day on Friday.

Nikki Berry, a forecaster with MeteoGroup, said: "A rain, sleet and snow mix will be moving east across Scotland on Saturday.

"In the early hours there will be rain in the far west and as it comes into Ayrshire and Glasgow there might be snow for a time on Saturday morning, turning to rain.

"Further east it's likely to fall as snow well into the afternoon, with several centimetres on high ground but some likely at lower levels too."

Transport Minister Keith Brown said: "Transport Scotland, Traffic Scotland and our resilience team are in regular contact with the Met Office, police, road operating companies and rail operators to ensure that adequate preparations are in place for this weekend.

"Frontline and patrol vehicles are being deployed across the network and on routes that are likely to be affected by snow, gritters will continue to operate until the snow has passed and will be further supported by additional vehicles. We stand ready to activate the resilience room and multi agency response team if required.

"The public should continue to check the travel bulletins or the Traffic Scotland website for the latest advice."