Update on recovery from snow
Action continues to return services to normal in affected areas.
The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) met again this afternoon to consider the ongoing response to the severe weather in northern Scotland.
The meeting was chaired by Justice Secretary Angela Constance and attended by First Minister John Swinney, Cabinet Secretaries, the Met Office, transport operators, Police Scotland, local authorities, resilience partnerships and utilities companies.
Trunk roads, ferries and air services are operating normally today, with impacts remaining on local roads and parts of the rail network. There were 278 schools closed today, around 11% of the school estate, with remote learning in place where possible.
A Yellow warning for snow and ice is in force across much of Scotland from 2000 today until 1200 tomorrow, with cold weather conditions set to remain throughout the weekend.
Ministers continue to ask people to follow all relevant advice.
Ms Constance said:
“Following five days of amber warnings and hugely challenging snow and ice conditions across northern Scotland, progress to fully recover continues.
“Care for those people who need it remains a priority. While trunk roads, ferries and air services are operating as normal today, impacts remain on local roads and parts of the rail network. Significant efforts continue to clear local roads and rail, with progress being made by the gritters, snow ploughs and blowers out around the clock. There are fewer schools closed today but challenges remain in reopening in some areas. Partners are continuing to work together to provide mutual aid as needed.
“As ever, I want to thank everyone involved in the ongoing work to support people and the clear up across the public, private and voluntary sector. I am also grateful for the public’s understanding that full recovery takes some time. If anyone affected is isolated or needs help or assistance, they should not hesitate to seek help from their local authority, health board or other public service.
“However, there are yellow weather warnings in place overnight for most of Scotland, and with Storm Goretti set to affect other parts of the UK and a cold but still unpredictable weather picture for Scotland over the weekend, it is clear that impacts will continue to be felt in the coming days. I would encourage everyone to plan ahead and check the range of weather and travel advice available.
“Ministers are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to consider any further practical assistance that is required.”
Background
Met Office weather warnings are available on the Met Office website.
Flood alerts are issued by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and can be viewed on their website.
Advice on preparing for severe weather can be found on the Ready Scotland website.
Follow Traffic Scotland for the most up-to-date information on the trunk roads throughout the warning periods, via their website, social media channels and radio broadcasts. Updates on ScotRail services and road conditions are available online.
To report a power cut or damage to electricity power lines or substations call the SP Networks national Freephone number 105. More information on what to do during a storm can also be found on SP Energy Website.