A period of sleet, snow and rain may bring disruption across Caithness on Saturday

The Met Office has issued a Yellow Warning for a period of sleet and snow across Caithness that may bring some travel disruption on Saturday.

Issued: 10.44am today (Dec 29) the bulletin states that an active frontal system will extend north-eastwards through Saturday bringing heavy rain to low levels and a period of snow across higher ground to some parts of Scotland.

It continues: "Snow accumulations are expected largely above 250-300 metres, where 5 to 10cm may accumulate. At lower levels mostly rain is expected with 15-25mm, although some snow accumulations may occur for a time over north-western areas, with perhaps 1 to 3cm in places.

"Snow turning to rain in the south early afternoon and melting snow over high ground along with some heavy rain and saturated ground may lead to some flooding of roads and railways. Rain and snow clearing from the south through the afternoon and evening."

Advice

Check if your property could be at risk of flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit. 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).

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.

What to expect

• There is a chance of travel delays on roads with some stranded vehicles and passengers, along with delayed or cancelled rail and air travel
• There is a slight chance that some rural communities could become cut off
• There is a small chance that power cuts will occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected

Maps of the council’s gritting routes by priority and policy are available online at: www.highland.gov.uk/gritting

At 7.59am today, Highland Council's road report for Caithness stated: "Marginal temperatures on all routes this morning, so treating all primary and secondary routes as a precaution. Mainly damp and wet roads and only an odd icy stretch reported. No other known issues to report."

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