Warning of heavy snow could reach red alert

Fife schools closed today as trains are cancelled and several accidents create chaos on the region’s roads.

Courier country is expected to wake up in the grip of severe weather this morning, with a warning to avoid travel and schools closed across Fife.

Tayside and Fife fall under an amber warning, the second-highest the Met Office issues, and people have been advised against making journeys today and tomorrow.

The alert could be raised in some parts to red for the first time in Scotland.

Transport Minister Humza Yousaf warned travel could be dangerous and said businesses had been urged to allow flexible working where possible.

Fife Council announced late last night that all schools would close today and ScotRail has cancelled several services between Glenrothes and Edinburgh and Dundee and Carnoustie and Arbroath.

The amber alert covering Tayside and Fife runs from 6am today to 6pm on Thursday.

Blizzards and heavy snow arrived in many parts of the region last night, with tricky conditions on the roads in Fife.

Several accidents were reported, including on the A92 between Lochgelly and Cowdenbeath, and on the M90 between the Cocklaw and Halbeath junctions.

Traffic came to a standstill on the A92 near Freuchie, where it was understood a lorry was stuck, with similar problems in Glenrothes.

In Angus no school transport contracts will operate today.

Forecasters have predicted up to 16 inches of snow in the worst-affected parts.

Mr Yousaf said: “The Met Office is telling us that we’re going to see some extremely challenging conditions over the next few days, so I’d urge people follow police advice and to avoid travel in the areas affected by the amber snow warnings.

“Consider if you need to make your journey. If you do set out, you are likely to face disruption and could potentially be stranded, so make sure you are properly prepared with a winter kit, warm clothing, food and drink.

“The police do not issue advice like this lightly.

“We are currently sitting at the highest category of amber warning, with the possibility of conditions getting worse, so I’d urge people to heed this advice.”

Police Scotland has advised against all but essential travel, and urged those who do venture out to ensure they are prepared with warm clothing, food, drink and a charged mobile phone.

Head of road policing Chief Superintendent Stewart Carle said: “We would urge people who live or intend to visit the regions within the amber warning area to avoid travelling on the roads unless absolutely necessary.

“If you do choose to travel in the amber warning area, you are likely to face a high level of disruption on the roads networks with significant delays or even be stranded on the higher and

Picture: Steve MacDougall.

Pictures: Steve MacDougall/ SWNS/Julia Sidell/Ian Rutherford. These shoppers in Dundee got caught as yesterday evening’s blizzard struck the city.

Clockwise from above: Fun in the snow in Bridge of Earn; Edward Barclay does his shopping in Insch, Aberdeenshire; a snow-covered scene around Melrose; and a snowplough gets to work.