A flood alert has been issued for Aberdeenshire as Storm Bert bears down on Scotland, with thawing snow likely to cause flooding this weekend.
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa) has warned there could be flooding on the way post-Storm Bert set to hit the north and north-east on Saturday.
Forecasters are also predicting that snow and ice will blanket the region on Saturday, while rain will lead to rapid snow thaw on Sunday causing flooding.
Sepa has issued a flood alert for Aberdeenshire which is now in force.
The alert states: “The combination of rain and snow melt will cause river levels to rise through the afternoon and overnight into Sunday.
“Some localised watercourse flooding impacts are possible and there is also a risk of surface water flooding during this period.”
It follows a cold snap which has caused disruption for most of the week.
The Met Office has several warnings for snow, ice, rain and wind for most of the weekend including an amber alert for the central Highlands/Aberdeenshire from 7am until 5pm tomorrow.
Conditions have caused crashes on the roads
A multi-car crash has closed multiple Stonehaven streets as treacherous travel conditions are set to continue throughout the week.
Police were in attendance at Ann Street in the coastal town this morning and urged drivers to avoid the area due to icy conditions.
Locals reported a collision involved five vehicles and roads in the town were described as being covered with sheet ice.
Meanwhile, wintry weather also closed the snow gates on the A939 at Cockbridge and the A869 Crate road on the NC500 in Wester Ross.
All the latest road updates as snow gates closed
Ann Street, Stonehaven: A multi-vehicle crash has currently closed the busy town centre road. Police are in attendance and drivers are urged to avoid the area.
B974 Banchory to Fettercairn: The snow gates are closed on the B974 between Banchory and Fettercairn in both directions.
B974 Cairn O’Mount Road / Old Military Road: Road closed due to snow on B974 Cairn O’Mount Road / Old Military Road both ways between Banchory and Fettercairn. The snow gates are closed.
A90 Lonmay: Reports of slow traffic due to a multi-vehicle crash, ice and snow on A90 both ways from St Combs turn-off to A952 (Cortes junction).
A939 between Tomintoul and Cock Bridge: Road closed due to snow on A939 both ways between Tomintoul and Cock Bridge. Cameras show that the snow gates are closed.
A941 Fogwatt to Rothes: Very slow traffic due to snow on A941 both ways from Fogwatt to Rothes.
A96 Fochabers: Queueing traffic due to snow on A96 both ways at A98 (Fochabers East roundabout).
A896 Craite Barn Wester Ross: Road closed due to snow on Craite Barn both ways between A896 and the campsite. The snow gates are closed.
A816 Oban to Lochgilphead: Reports of a crash on the A816 both ways near the Cuilfail Hotel. Traffic is coping well.
Public transport disruption
Trains between Inverness and Glasgow: Because of an earlier broken down train between Kingussie and Dalwhinnie services between these stations are subject to delays.
Trains between Kintore and Aberdeen: Most services between Kintore and the Granite City are currently unavailable. The only remaining outbound service remaining is the 12.51pm service. All trains to Kintore read as “not available”.
Moray Service 309: Due to staff shortages there will be a disruption to the Service 309. Rotations 1, 2, 9 and 10 will not operate on 21 and 22 November 2024.
If you have spotted an incident on the road that you’d like to tell us about, please get in touch with livenews@pressandjournal.co.uk.
Our reporters are working to bring you the latest updates on this developing story.
Please check back later for more and follow The Press and Journal on Facebook and online for breaking news.
Conversation