Amber weather warning update
Wednesday: January 18, 2023
Overnight impacts from the Amber weather warning for snow were not as severe as forecast, with many areas – particularly around the coast – experiencing heavy rain.
The Met Office has, however, extended its Yellow weather warning for snow and ice to around midday tomorrow (Thurs), with further wintry showers bringing disruption.
Snow and hail showers are likely to become more widespread from the north-west this morning, lasting overnight and into Thursday. For areas away from immediate coasts, 1-3 cm of additional snow is likely, with 5-10 cm possible for higher ground above about 100m. Ice will be an additional hazard, especially where any partial thaw has occurred. By Thursday morning, showers will likely be of rain or hail for coasts.
Roads
As per our agreed treatment plan, the network was treated from 5.40am this morning and crews were brought in early to focus on secondary routes and footways. All available staff are involved in our winter maintenance. Again, please be aware we cannot treat every route and footway - so please take care. There are no actual road closures, however the snow gates on the A939 Lecht and A93 Braemar-Glenshee remain closed. We have been made aware of a significant pothole which has caused damage to cars on the A90 trunk road near Hatton and this is being reported to Amey who are responsible for that route.
Schools
Crudie Primary School, Gordon Primary School and The Gordon Schools remain closed today – all others are open albeit some have a delayed start and transport changes or cancellations. Parents and carers can check school closures but as usual, any closures or changes will also be communicated directly by the child's school.
Waste services
We are not anticipating bin collections being impacted today, however, residents are advised to download the myAberdeenshire app and turn on waste collection notifications to be notified if there is disruption to their route.
Live Life Aberdeenshire
All LLA facilities are now operating as normal.
Tuesday: January 17, 2023
The Met Office has issued an Amber weather warning for heavy snow from around 3pm this afternoon until midnight across much of Aberdeenshire. The Yellow warning for snow and ice also remains in place for the region.
Relatively short periods of snowfall are expected to bring as much as 10-15cm of snow, with the main impact expected to come around 7-8pm this evening.
Strong winds – up to gale force in some places – will cause significant drifting and will affect many routes on the roads network.
This will lead to travel disruption with delays on the roads network likely, potentially stranding some vehicles and passengers.
Some delays and cancellations to rail and air travel are likely and there is a good chance that some rural communities could become cut off.
Build-up of ice on lines could also impact power supplies and there is the added threat of thunderstorms.
Roads
We are actively preparing for the significant snowfall this evening and our Roads teams will be treating priority routes again in the north half of the Shire at 3pm and the remainder of our 32 priority routes across the network from 6pm.
The network will be treated from 5.40am tomorrow morning and crews are also being brought in early from 6am tomorrow to begin treatment of the secondary routes and footways, but please be aware we cannot treat every route and footway - so please take care.
These conditions will bring extremely hazardous driving conditions – we would urge that people do not travel this evening unless it is absolutely essential.
Schools
Schools are reviewing the weather warning and local weather forecasts to inform any local decision-making and related actions. Parents and carers can check school closures but as usual, any closures or changes will also be communicated directly by the child's school.
Waste services
With the current Amber weather warning there will likely be disruption to bin collections in some areas on Wednesday. Our hard-working household waste collection teams are focused on providing a great service, however, residents are advised to download the myAberdeenshire app and turn on waste collection notifications to be notified if there is disruption to their route.
Live Life Aberdeenshire
All LLA facilities will be closed by 7pm tonight, however sites will make local decisions based on the conditions if earlier closure is required to ensure staff safety - we would again urge members of the public not to travel this evening. You can check for early closures here: https://www.livelifeaberdeenshire.org.uk/sport-and-physical-activity/venues/
Community resilience
Every household in Aberdeenshire recently received a ‘Ready for Winter’ leaflet which provides some simple tips on how you can improve your personal or household resilience – now’s the time to look it out and Be Prepared. You can also download it here: Ready for Winter
Ready Scotland also has a list of tips to stay safe in the forecasted snowy weather:
✅ Stay up to date with the latest forecasts and information about traffic and public transport
✅ If it is essential that you travel, allowing extra time and packing jump leads, food and drink, winter clothes, a fully charged mobile phone and a shovel
✅ Travel delays are expected on roads, with cancellations likely across public transport. Follow any travel warnings. Non-essential travel can result in very serious incidents.
✅ Take extra care when cycling, walking or driving. Leave a safe distance when driving - your stopping distance is increased by 10 times in snow and ice
✅ Having grit and a shovel ready to clear your paths
✅ Keeping a supply of food essentials for family and pets
✅ Having a backup form of heating and keeping batteries and torches to hand
✅ Safely checking if neighbours or vulnerable people need any help.
✅ And don’t forget to check your tyres
For more information and handy tips go to Ready Scotland
Handy phone numbers:
Power outages – via SSEN on 105
Non-urgent medical issues – via NHS on 111
Emergency council housing repairs - 03456 08 12 03
Emergency social care 03456 08 12 06