CAITHNESS WEATHER WARNING: Snow and ice on Friday night and Saturday morning

The Met Office has posted a weather warning for snow and ice on Friday night and Saturday morning that is likely to lead to some travel disruption across Caithness.

Issued at 10.21am today (Dec 21) the bulletin states that snow is expected to develop across north and northeast Scotland during Friday night before gradually turning to rain during Saturday.

It continues: "Initially, snow will be reserved for hills above around 200 metres, but through the night snow is likely to fall to lower levels for a time.

"With cold air slowly being replaced by milder air from the southwest, there is some uncertainty in accumulations across the warning area. However, some low-level locations may see 2-5cm, whilst accumulations of 10-15cm are likely to be reserved for higher ground above around 200 metres. An additional, albeit temporary hazard, will be the chance of ice mainly over higher ground as snow turns to rain."

Advice

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).

If you need to make a journey on foot or by bike, try to use pavements along main roads which are likely to be less slippery. Similarly, if cycling, try and stick to main roads which are more likely to have been treated. 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

• Some roads and railways likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services
• Some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces
• Probably some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths

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