UK weather – live: Heavy snow across Scotland as gusts reach 92mph and rainy weekend ahead
Up to four inches could cover parts of Scotland ahead of ‘severe frost’
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Heavy snow and rainfall are continuing to hit Scotland and Northern Ireland as most weather warnings issued by the Met Office have been lifted.
Northern areas of Scotland are expected to continue to see heavy showers, some of them wintry, on Thursday and commuters have been warned that road and rail journeys could be affected.
Strong, gale-force winds are also sweeping the UK, with gusts reaching up to 92mph in Scotland this morning while the northeast of England is likely to see severe gales particularly in coastal parts of Northumberland, the Met Office said.
For the rest of the weekend, the whole of the UK is likely to see widespread showers and strong winds continuing into next week, according to the Met Office’s 10-day forecast.
Drivers have been advised to remain cautious while travelling as dangerous conditions continue.
Video: Watch rare thunderstorm in Glasgow
Thundersnow, also known as a winter thunderstorm, is driven by similar conditions that cause thunder in summer and produce snow instead of rain.
Forecasters had placed a warning for thundersnow in parts of Scotland after a bitterly cold start to Thursday morning as temperatures plummeted to sub-zero across most parts of the UK overnight.
Heavy snow and wind headed for Scotland
Heavy snow and strong winds are expected to batter parts of Scotland on Thursday morning.
According to the Met Office, scattered showers will follow with wintry conditions over high grounds. There will be also sunny spells in some parts, however.
Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said: “Because you have got that differential it’s possible, quite easily, for warm air at ground level when it heats up to start to rise very quickly up through the cold air and that’s what creates the potential for thunderstorms, so we are likely to see along with the other wintery showers, likely to see hail and snow.”
High winds disrupt road travel in Scotland
Travel watchdog Traffic Scotland has been flagging continuous disruptions on road routes for motorists overnight as parts of Britain brace for severe weather conditions.
Traffic restrictions were reported in both directions on the A87 Skye Bridge, there was a total closure of the A95 at North Aviemore, and caution was advised on several bridges.
The Met Office has predicted gusts reaching about 50mph, and 60mph in some locations.
Weather experts said though these wind speeds are not unusual for the time of the year in Scotland, more damage is anticipated as trees and structures were recently weakened due to the impacts of Storm Corrie and Storm Malik.
Several traffic collisions reported in Scotland
Police said several weather-related collisions were reported on Thursday morning on the M8, M9 and M90 after a yellow weather warning was issued in Scotland.
Drivers have been warned about disruptions to travel and asked to drive safely.
Road Policing Scotland tweeted: “Lots of weather-related collisions already being reported this morning on the M8, M9 and M90 just to name a few.
“Please drive to the prevailing road and weather conditions.
“Look well ahead and increase your following distance to account for any increased stopping distance.”
Snow warning in place until 11am
In case you missed it, a yellow weather warning for snow is in place in Scotland until 11am Thursday morning.
The main areas affected include Central, Tayside and Fife south west Scotland Lothian and Borders, Strathclyde, Highlands and Grampian.
Video shows heavy snow and stormy weather in Scotland
Glasgow saw very heavy snow last night as thunder clamoured in the background.
Glasgow will see showers and longer periods of rain today, coupled with strong to gale winds the Met Office said.
A yellow weather warning for wind is in place in the city until midday.
Conditions should become drier and brighter into the afternoon.
Shropshire’s River Severn now below flood risk threshold
A flood alert issued for the River Severn in Shropshire was updated Thursday morning to say water levels have now fallen below the flood risk thresh hold.
According to the Environment Agency, Crew Green peaked at 5.8m Monday, Montford peaked at 4.8m Monday night, Welsh Bridge peaked at 2.4m Tuesday and Buildwas peaked at 3.5m Tuesday.
Locals have been warned to avoid low lying footpaths and roads near rivers.
The Environment Agency said: “We are closely monitoring the situation.
“Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded.
“This message will be updated by 9am on Friday 11th February, or as the situation changes.”
Gusts as high as 94 knots as strong winds hit Scotland
Strong winds are officially impacting Scotland, with yellow weather warnings in place across the country.
Wind gusts have reached as high as 92 knots at the Cairn Gorm summit, a mountain in the Highlands currently experiencing below-freezing temperatures of -2C.
How to drive safely in the snow - expert tips
Experts at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts have offered advice for people driving in snowy weather conditions to avoid getting fines.
Director Keith Hawes said: “Road accidents are often more common around the winter period due a range of factors, such as bad weather conditions, dark nights and the density of traffic.
“It is important motorists take extra care and follow the advice given to avoid contributing to these statistics due to irresponsible driving this winter.”
Here are three tips to avoid getting fined and driving safely in the snow:
Don’t drive with snow on your roof and windscreen
“Only clearing ice or snow from part of your windscreen, known as ‘portholing’, can lead to up to three points on your licence, and a £60 fine.
“By law, every glass panel must be visible out of and you must have a clear view of the road from all angles before you set off.
“It is always advised to fully wipe snow and ice from your roof and every window.”
Don’t leave snow or ice blocking your number plate
“If you do not clear any ice or snow obscuring your front and rear number plate you could receive a fine of up to £1,000 from local authorities.
“The law states that all number plates must be clearly visible, as if it is obstructed it can affect your car being picked up by speed cameras or police checks.
“So it is important to make sure there is no snow, ice or grit covering them before you set off this Christmas.”
Don’t leave your car running while defrosting the windscreen
“Despite defrosting your car to make your driving conditions safer, you can actually be committing a crime if done incorrectly on a public road.
“According to the Road Traffic Act 1998, it is an illegal offence to leave your engine on whilst you clear away snow and ice from outside your vehicle on a public road - it can also land you an initial £20 fine.
“Always make sure to turn your vehicle off before exiting.”
ICYMI: Watch the Met Office’s weather forecast for the next 10 days
The weather is expected to calm down from Friday with cold weather and blue skies.
Wet and windy weather will grace the UK on Saturday and Sunday and into next week.
Here’s the Met Office’s weather forecast for the next 10 days:
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