Snow and heavy rain warnings issued for parts of Scotland

SNOW is forecast to hit parts of Scotland tonight.

Heavy and persistent snow is forecast on Thursday morning, with 2 to 5cm likely for many parts and up to 20cm on the highest ground, the Met Office said.

A yellow severe weather warning of snow has been issued for northern Scotland, valid from midnight until 1pm on Thursday.

It warns that some roads and railways are likely to be affected, with possible longer journey times for road, bus and train services.

Meanwhile a yellow weather warning of heavy rain is in force for southern Scotland, northern England and north west Wales from 10am on Wednesday until 9am on Thursday.

Forecasters warn that spray and flooding on roads will make journey times longer while bus and train services are also likely to be affected.

Met Office spokeswoman Nicola Maxey said: “Snow is forecast for northern Scotland and this could potentially affect travel in the area.

“Outside that area snow is not going to be an issue, it’s more likely to be heavy rain.

Stay #weatheraware. There are warnings for wind, rain and snow over the next few days https://t.co/QwDLMg9c70 @metofficeuk pic.twitter.com/N0TVnGL7so

— Met Office (@metoffice) November 21, 2017

“The rain warning is in place until 9am tomorrow morning so will run over into the morning rush hour so there could be spray on the roads, and at this time of year with leaves blown down we could see drains getting blocked up which could lead to surface water and flooding.”

In the Highlands rail passengers are facing disruption after three landslips following heavy rain forced the cancellation of some services.

Train services from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh and Wick have been affected, with the line blocked between the Highland capital and Beauly.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has issued flood alerts for Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders.

RAC spokesman Pete Williams said: “Drivers in Scotland who travel on roads on high ground and mountain passes should be prepared for snowy conditions. Its wise to pack a ‘winter survival kit’ including a shovel, blanket, additional warm clothing, a torch, a flask with a warm drink and ensure your mobile phone is fully charged and consider letting your friends, family or colleagues know when you expect to arrive.

“It may be worth delaying your journey or taking an alternative route until conditions improve and the snow ploughs have made roads fully passable. Keep tuned to the weather and travel forecasts on local radio.

“Check our Winter Driving pages on rac.co.uk for more advice on driving in extreme weather and tips on how to prepare your car for winter.”