Temperatures set to plunge as North and north-east get severe weather warning
By Ryan Crighton
Published: 28/10/2008
Heavy snow and blizzards are expected to hit the north and north-east this morning as temperatures drop as low as -2C overnight.
Residents in many parts of Grampian, the Highlands and the northern and Western Isles could wake up to a covering of snow.
The weather is expected to get worse this afternoon and tonight after the Met Office issued a severe weather warning.
A spokeswoman said the cold snap could last until Thursday. Temperatures were unlikely to get above 3C today.
“Snow will settle on higher ground overnight on Monday as temperatures drop below freezing,” she said.
“Tuesday will see heavy and lengthy spells of snow and we have issued a severe weather warning for the north and north-east of Scotland.
“Significant snow accumulations are possible over higher ground and some snow could settle down to sea level.
“Gale-force north or northwesterly winds could cause blizzard conditions in some parts and further snow could fall on Wednesday.”
The severe weather warning comes after a weekend of strong winds and rain caused chaos across Scotland.
Extra electricity engineers are being flown to Shetland this morning to tackle expected power cuts as the weather on the isles deteriorates.
Thousands of customers lost their power supply at the weekend after gusts up to 100mph damaged overhead lines and junction boxes throughout the mainland.
Scottish and Southern Energy has taken the precaution of flying two extra teams of engineers to Shetland where they will remain until the weather abates.
Just as the cold weather begins to bite, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) launched its annual flood-awareness campaign.
About 100,000 homes and businesses are at risk from river and coastal flooding in Scotland.
Flood maps available on the organisation’s website allow people to find out whether they live in or near an area that is at risk of flooding.
The campaign aims to encourage those living and working in at-risk areas to be aware of how flooding might affect their homes and businesses.
Flood unit manager David Faichney said: “The flooding seen in many parts of Scotland over the past few months highlights the devastating effects flooding can have on communities.
“Summer flooding is not new to our communities here in Scotland, but it may become more frequent if climate change predictions are correct.”
Environment Minister Michael Russell added: “The risk of flooding is only likely to increase with climate change in years to come.”
For more information, visit www.sepa.org.uk
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