WEATHER warnings have been issued for the whole of Scotland as the named Storm Bert heads towards the country.
The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for snow and ice for all of Scotland on Thursday, and all but the very northern tip of the Western Isles on Friday.
The weather office said that there is a “small chance” of power cuts, disrupted travel, and rural communities “could become cut off”.
For Saturday and Sunday, yellow weather warnings remain in place across much of Scotland but this time for snow and rain. Other yellow warnings for wind were brought in up the west and east coasts.
Later on Thursday, the Met Office also issued a more severe amber warning covering the southern Cairngorms.
Weather forecasters say there is a “small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life”, as well as possible travel disruption, power cuts, and risk communities could be cut off.
On Thursday, the Met Office said that the incoming harsh weather, from a “deep area of low pressure”, had been named Storm Bert.
A deep area of low pressure which will bring impacts to large parts of the UK on Saturday and Sunday has been named #StormBert. Find out all the information 🔽
— Met Office (@metoffice) November 21, 2024
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley said: “Storm Bert marks a shift to much milder air and wintry hazards will gradually diminish through the weekend, but heavy snowfall is expected across parts of northern England and Scotland for a time on Saturday, especially over higher ground, and warnings are in place.
“Heavy rain through Saturday and Sunday, especially in southern and western parts of the UK, will also bring impacts for some with a number of warnings in place.
“We expect 50-75 mm of rainfall quite widely within the warning areas, but in excess of 100 mm is possible over high ground in parts of Wales and southwest England.
“In addition, rapid melting of lying snow over the weekend and periods of strong winds are likely to exacerbate impacts and bring the potential for travel disruption, as well as flooding for some.”
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a number of amber and yellow Cold Health Alerts covering the whole of England.
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: "The first taste of winter means drivers are suddenly contending with the some of the worst road conditions we’ve seen all year. With freezing temperatures already causing disruption in the east and north of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and snow showers now affecting regions further south, we advise motorists to plan well as ice forms on untreated surfaces.
“Drivers should ensure their tyres have plenty of tread and are inflated to the correct pressure to give them the best possible grip on the road. It’s best to stick to major roads, rather than rural areas where surfaces may not be gritted, reduce speeds and leave plenty of space behind the vehicle in front to ensure you have more time to stop.
“Everyone should travel prepared in case they find themselves broken down at the side of the road: a blanket, warm waterproof coat and gloves, sturdy footwear and a charging cable and mobile power bank are all essentials.”
