Latest updates
- Amber weather warning for rain in place for Moray and the Highlands
- Yellow warnings for snow, rain and wind in place across Scotland
- Police Scotland urges people not to travel unless ‘necessary’
- Flood warnings issued across country which could bring a ‘danger to life’
- Multiple rail lines closed due to flooding and ‘debris on tracks’
- A832 Fortrose to Avoch in Black Isle closed due to landslide
- A9 closed in both directions due to vehicle stranded in water
- River Tay rises past the safe limit for trains to run
An amber weather warning has been issued for parts of Scotland as heavy rain and snow persist, dampening Hogmanay celebrations.
The Met Office warning came into place at midnight on Tuesday and is due to expire at 5pm.
There is also a yellow weather warning for rain and snow covering Moray and the Higlands until 4am on January 1.
A yellow warning for snow is also in place for Orkney and Shetland until midnight on Tuesday.
Forecasters said fast-flowing and deep floodwater from the rain may bring a “danger to life”.
An additional yellow warning for wind has been issued until midnight tonight for the central belt, parts of Fife, Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway.
Network Rail confirmed the line north of Inverness, between Muir of Ord and Dingwall, has been closed.
The Far North Line has been closed following a landslip between Brora and Helmsdale. Network Rail teams are on site working to clear the debris.
Trainline said, as bus companies have stated, the road conditions are too hazardous in Thurso and Wick, and they are unable to supply bus replacements along the route.
Network Rail added that the River Tay has risen past the safe limit for trains to run through.
Traffic Scotland confirmed that the A9 at Tomich was closed in both directions due to flooding at around 7.30am on Tuesday.
Police Scotland said it was due to a broken-down car in standing water. Drivers are being diverted through Invergordon.
The A832 Fortrose to Avoch in Black Isle has also been closed due to a landslide affecting both sides of the road.
Police said the road will likely remain closed for some time, and drivers have been urged to avoid the area.
The Forth Road Bridge was closed to double-decker buses due to high winds on Tuesday morning, while snow gates were closed on the A939 between Tomintoul and Cock Bridge.
CalMac Ferries said several services on the west coast of Scotland had been cancelled with others subject to disruption.
STV meteorologist Sean Batty said the Northern Isles will face “particularly” challenging conditions, with heavy rain turning back to snow as colder air arrives.
“Heavy rain here will turn back to snow as colder air begins digging back south and could lead to blizzard conditions given the strong winds,” he said.
He added that the whole country will also experience strong winds, with gales in the north and west and further spells of heavy rain—particularly across the Highlands.
“Later in the day the rain will turn more showery for most, although rain in the north will readily turn to snow into the evening,” he said.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has issued multiple flood warnings and said Scotland will see “significant flooding impacts” in the coming days as more persistent and heavy rain arrives.
The warnings come as Edinburgh’s Street Party, one of several outdoor Hogmanay celebrations, was cancelled due to the extreme weather.
Police Scotland superintendent Jennifer Valentine urged people to avoid taking unnecessary journeys in the “hazardous” conditions.
“Following significant and continuing rainfall across the Highlands and Moray, we are dealing with challenging weather conditions, as well as rising river levels, and are asking people to take care,” she said.
“We are working hard with a range of multi-agency partners to support communities and those who need our help.”
She added: “Roads across the area are affected by surface water, and overnight we expect a number of roads, particularly around the Aviemore area, will become flooded.
“Our advice is to avoid these areas due to hazardous conditions. Please consider if your journey is really necessary or if it can be delayed until conditions improve.”
Douglas Cairns, Traffic Scotland operator manager at Transport Scotland, said: “The severe weather across much of Scotland this week will, unfortunately, cause some disruption across the transport network.
“Road, rail, air and ferry services are all likely to be affected by the conditions, with localised flooding, longer journey times and cancellations possible, as well as potential restrictions on bridges.
“The network is also expected to be busy as people travel to celebrate New Year with friends and family.
“We are asking travellers to plan their journeys before setting off to ensure they reach their destination and celebrations in good time.
“If you’re driving, make sure your vehicle is winter-ready and follow any Police Scotland travel advice that may be in place. Traffic Scotland provides up-to-date travel information on the trunk road network through its website, X account and internet radio broadcasts.”
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