Sudden overnight snowfall blocks key roads through Scottish Borders

Routes in Midlothian, the Scottish Borders and parts of Edinburgh were among the worst affected by what police described as “extreme weather”.

The sudden heavy fall of snow on Thursday evening resulted in some road closures and had a major impact on key routes through the Borders.

Some vehicles also became stuck in the snow in places.

Elsewhere in the east, “significant” rainfall caused severe flooding in places and also shut some roads.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Officers across the east of Scotland are working with a range of partner agencies, including the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Transport Scotland and numerous local authorities to deal with various incidents that have resulted from extreme weather.

“Midlothian, the Scottish Borders and parts of Edinburgh have experienced heavy snow which has had a significant impact on traffic.”

Earlier on Thursday, the A68 at Soutra Hill had to be temporarily closed with several vehicles stuck in the snow, police said.

Traffic Scotland later confirmed it had since reopened. It also reported that the A7 had been closed in both directions at North Middleton after a bus became stuck.

The A701, A702 and A703 – all key routes south of Edinburgh – were also said by police to have been “badly affected” by the snow on Thursday, with traffic particularly heavy around Loanhead, Bilston and Penicuik in Midlothian.

Social media reports suggested traffic had been gridlocked in some of the worst affected areas.

Billy Taylor wrote on Twitter: “This weather is a nightmare. Been an hour Loanhead to Beeslack.”

Single Malt Biker wrote: “4 hours home! A702 started 2 move after Roslin roundabt, but cars abandoned / struggling. Good luck 2 those still on road.”

Our street right now. #Edinburgh #snow. pic.twitter.com/yMnlBpHzy0

— Shop Scotland (@Shop_Scotland) December 3, 2015

❄ VERY heavy snow and slow traffic on #A702 btwn Edinburgh & Abington ❄#TakeExtraCare pic.twitter.com/Wy2afmco3D

— Traffic Scotland (@trafficscotland) December 3, 2015

Home at last #a701#a702. Only 4 hours. Where are all the new gritters?

— paul stones (@stoneshmfc) December 3, 2015

A702…lorry stuck on the hill pic.twitter.com/KPKHkJwQA5

— peter finnie (@peterfinnie) December 3, 2015

Gritters were said to have been deployed on all routes.

Elsewhere, it was flood water which caused trouble for motorists.

“Other parts of the east have seen significant rainfall causing severe flooding that again has resulted in a number of road closures,” the police spokesman said.

The roads closed due to flooding were the A1 from Oaktree to Thistly Cross, the A6105 at Earlston and the B6405 and the B6359 roads. The A698 Denholm to Hawick road was also shut due to flooding.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has flood warnings in place for several areas in the Borders. Flood alerts are in place for Dumfries and Galloway and Edinburgh and the Lothians.

The police spokesman added: “We continue to work alongside our relevant partners to address these issues and the public are urged to avoid travelling where possible at this time.

“Anyone who needs to make an essential journey is urged to plan in advance and consult with the relevant agency websites to ensure that you can safely reach your destination.”