BLIZZARD ALERT OVER ARCTIC BLAST
SCOTLAND has been warned to brace itself for ‘blizzard-like’ conditions.
Weather alerts have been issued for much of the country, with snow and bitter Arctic winds expected to move in tonight.
Experts said up to an inch of snow could fall overnight, with up to four inches on higher ground. Scotland was in for a ‘short, sharp, shock’ they said, as temperatures plummet and winds gust to 60mph.
Those living in the East of the country are being told to prepare for the ‘blizzard-like conditions’, which could last throughout the weekend.
Motorists have also been warned to prepare for the ‘onslaught’, which is likely to affect many main routes, including the M8, which was closed by heavy snow in 2010. It comes as two-thirds of Scots admitted they are not fully prepared for winter.
A Met Office spokesman said: ‘The snowfall is going to be an issue in Scotland this weekend and the reason for this is that it will be, in some parts, mixing with high winds creating blizzard-like conditions.’
He added: ‘This is going to be most prevalent east of West Lothian and towards Edinburgh, and in the Borders where there’s also a high wind warning.’
The Scottish Government has urged people to prepare their homes and vehicles for a harsh winter.
Infrastructure Secretary Keith Brown said: ‘With the mild winters we’ve experienced in recent years, it does appear that some people are becoming increasingly relaxed about being prepared.’