Storm Doris to bring strong winds and heavy rain

SNOW is expected to return to Scotland this week as Storm Doris sweeps in.

After a mainly mild February, weather warnings have been put in place for Thursday, with gales, snow and rain predicted.

The strongest winds are forecast across England but there could be gusts of 50mph to 60mph across southern and eastern Scotland.

Snow accumulations up to 10cm are expected on some hills, with 5cm possible across the central belt of the country.

The Met Office said the largest accumulations of up to 20cm are likely on highest parts of the Southern Uplands.

Winds are expected to pick up before Thursday and yellow be aware warnings are in place for Strathclyde, Lothian and the Border, the North East, Tayside and Fife, and the Northern Isles.

The Met Office said: “Snow is expected over high ground of northern England and Scotland on Thursday, and may fall to low levels for a time in Scotland.

“Snow accumulations of five to 10cm are expected on some hills, with two to five cm possible on lower levels to the north of the central lowlands.

“The largest accumulations of 10 to 20 cm are likely on highest parts of the north Pennines and Southern Uplands.

“In addition, strong winds are expected to develop with gusts of 50mph to 60mph.

“This will result in drifting of the snow and blizzard conditions over high ground. Associated heavy rain at lower levels will be an additional hazard.

“The combination of snow, strong winds and heavy rain is likely to lead to disruption to transport networks and perhaps power supplies.”

Storm Doris is the first major winter weather front for two months.

The north of the country was worst affected, with homes losing power when Storm Conor hit on Boxing Day with winds of more than 90mph.