Warning: Yellow

To expect: Snow

Affected areas: Grampian, Highlands and Eilean Siar

Start time estimate: Saturday 2pm

End time estimate: Sunday 3am

The Met Office has issued an updated Yellow snow alert for Grampian and Highlands and Eilean Siar for Saturday and Sunday amid Storm Dave.

The warning is covering parts of Grampian, Highlands and Eilean Siar. All local areas affected are listed below.

Grampian and Highlands and Eilean Siar will be approached by snowfall, which is anticipated to start impacting the areas on Saturday at around 2pm before tapering off at 3am on Sunday.

The updated Yellow alert for snow was issued at 10:15am on Saturday, April 4.

A Met Office forecast said: “Outbreaks of snow will spread from the south during the afternoon this becoming heavy at times later in the afternoon and evening, before clearing in the early hours. 5-10cm is likely quite widely to low levels, chance of 15cm in places, with 20-30cm possible on ground above 200m. Strengthening winds will bring drifting of lying snow with the chance of blizzard conditions over the more exposed areas. Some areas of low ground will see rain rather than snow which may lead to minor surface water flooding in places.”

What to expect

Possible travel delays on roads stranding some vehicles and passengers; Some rural communities could become cut off; Power cuts may occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected; Possible delays or cancellations to rail and air travel.

What should you do?

Snowy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous, so to keep yourself and others safe:

• Plan your route, checking for delays and road closures, amending your travel plans if necessary.

• If driving, leave more time to prepare and check your car before setting off.

• Make sure you have essentials packed in your car in the event of any delays (warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, ice scraper/de-icer, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and an in-car phone charger).

People cope better when they have prepared in advance for the risk of power cuts or being cut off from services and amenities due to the snow. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.

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.

Full list of local regions affected

Grampian
Moray

Highlands and Eilean Siar
Highland

What is an updated 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 3am on Sunday.