Severe Weather Hits Travellers

More winter weather has swept across the North of Scotland bringing disruption to rush-hour traffic.

Several roads in Highlands have been closed while a lorry jackknifed on the A9 south of Newtonmore.

The Met Office has issued an amber be prepared'' alert across central and southern Scotland today, with Wales, Northern Ireland and much of England also on alert.

It comes after blizzards disrupted travel and closed schools in Scotland yesterday.

Gritters were out in force last night and commuters have been told to expect some delays and cancellations of services.

Network Rail has suspended four train routes and the AA said its crews were ready for a busy 48 hours.

In Aberdeenshire the A93 Glenshee to Braemar route has been closed, as has the B974 Banchory to Fettercairn road and the A939 Ballater to Corgarff.

Traffic Scotland said there was heavy snow at the Rest and Be Thankful in Argyll and Bute, while on the A9 lorries stuck in snow caused delays for a time.

Darron Burness, from the AA's severe weather team, said: It's a case of 'expect the unexpected' and drive accordingly.''

The wintry blast took effect in Scotland yesterday, forcing the closure of more than 30 schools in the Highlands and creating difficult driving conditions.

The Met Office said yesterday: There is a risk of two spells of persistent snow. The first of these is likely to cross the amber area on Tuesday evening, with another one affecting the area on Wednesday morning - both of which could produce disruptive snowfall during busy travel periods.

Meanwhile, snow is likely to continue to accumulate throughout this period on high ground.

The public should be prepared for the risk of disruption and difficult driving conditions.''

The amber warning, in place until 10am, follows last week's fierce storms which left 120,000 properties without power in Scotland.

The homes have since been reconnected but BT is continuing to fix phone lines in the Highlands and Islands.

Repair efforts have been hampered by fallen trees, ferry cancellations and traffic restrictions.

Road operator Bear Scotland said its teams were working around the clock to keep routes clear, while Police Scotland said drivers should ask whether their journey is really necessary before getting behind the wheel.

Chief Inspector Louise Blakelock said: If you do decide to travel, ensure your vehicle is well prepared before setting off, make sure your windscreens are completely free of snow and ice, and your lights are working and clean.''

Network Rail said a limited number of train services would be suspended from noon today, when the worst of the winds are expected to strike.

No trains will run on the Dumbarton Central to Helensburgh Central and Glasgow to Oban lines until 6pm tomorrow.

The Kyle to Dingwall and Kilwinning to Ardrossan line will also be suspended.

David Dickson, route managing director for Scotland, said: Safety has to be our first consideration during severe weather.

Where conditions are predicted to be most severe, we have agreed to withdraw a limited number of services until the worst of the storms have passed.''

A yellow be aware'' warning for snow and ice remains in place across Wales, Northern Ireland and much of England, with sleet and snow showers possible overnight.

West Midlands Ambulance Service said: Our crews are reporting snow in West Mercia, Birmingham, the Black Country and parts of Staffs and Warwickshire. Some minor issues on roads.

A few reports of cars slipping and at least one jack-knifed lorry. No injuries so far thankfully. Please take care out there.''

More than 90 schools and nurseries in the Highlands have been closed, while five schools were closed in Shetland.

National Express said its coach network is currently operating well.