Thundersnow hits Caithness as Met Office warns of travel disruption
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Flashes of lightning during an early morning snowstorm were seen today around Watten in a phenomenon known as "thundersnow" and the Met Office has warned of travel disruption.
Thundersnow is a dramatic weather phenomenon in which snow is accompanied by thunder and lightning. It only occurs when specific weather ingredients come together – usually in big and intense storms. It is relatively rare, and when it occurs, it typically only produces flashes within clouds.
Three bright flashes of lightning were observed at around 5.30am today between Wick and Watten with the sound of thunder following very soon after. The Met Office said: "When thundersnow occurs at night the lightning appears brighter – this is because the light reflects off the snowflakes. Interestingly, the snow contained within the thunderstorm acts to dampen the sound of the thunder."
Its bulletin posted at 10.24am today states: "Wintry showers will affect many areas of northern Scotland and parts of northeast England, though tending to become fewer in number from later on Thursday. A few centimetres of snow are likely to accumulate at low levels with the potential for as much as 15-20cm over higher ground. In addition, ice is likely to form on untreated surfaces, mainly where some of the showers fall as sleet close to coasts."
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
Highland Council has gritters out treating various routes in the county and schools in Dunbeath and Lybster are closed due to the poor road conditions.
A council bulletin posted at 8.53am today said there a "mix of damp and slushy roads" in Caithness. "Wintry showers coming in early in some areas. Icy patches throughout. Treatment is ongoing. No known overnight issues reported," it further stated.
