Warning: Yellow
To expect: Snow
Affected areas: Orkney & Shetland
Start time estimate: Thursday 4pm
End time estimate: Thursday 8pm
The Met Office has issued a Yellow snow warning for Orkney & Shetland until Thursday evening.
Snow flurries are forecast for the region, expected to start covering the area at approximately 4pm on Thursday and lasting until 8pm.
The Yellow warning for snow was issued at 1:26pm on Thursday, January 8.
A Met Office forecast said: “Outbreaks of sleet and snow are expected to become heavy at times this afternoon and early evening. Accumulations of 1 to 3cm are expected at low levels with 5 to 10cm over the hills.”
What to expect
Some roads are likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services.
What should you do?
Snowy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous. Keep yourself and others safe by planning your route, giving yourself extra time for your journey. Check for road closures or delays to public transport and amend plans if necessary. If driving, make sure you have some essentials in your car in the event of any delays (e.g., warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, ice scraper/de icer, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and an in-car phone charger). Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area. For further details see Met Office Warnings & Advice.
What is a yellow weather warning?
The Met Office has three categories of weather warning, depending on the likely impact of severe weather and also how likely it is to strike in a particular area.
A yellow warning is issued when weather conditions are expected to disrupt travel and traffic and may impact on daily routines but are not likely to pose a risk to life or property.
An amber warning is more severe and advises people to think about changing their plans to minimise the risk.
A red warning means weather conditions are expected to be dangerous with widespread damage to property and a risk to life, with the public usually advised to avoid travelling.
The Yellow weather alert for snow will remain in place until 8pm on Thursday.