Chaos on road as wild winds stir soil clouds

Motorists struggled to see as wild winds whipped soil across a major Moray road yesterday.

The blustery conditions came as stormy weather continued across the north and north-east this week, following days of snow in some areas.

Video footage captured along the A941 Lossiemouth to Elgin road showed drivers contending with thick fog-like clouds of displaced soil. The video showed how oncoming traffic, including a tractor, emerged from the dust cloud and became visible only at the last minute.

A Met Office spokeswoman said: “Constant winds and 50mph gusts have meant soil is being lifted up into the air and forming a dust cloud.”

The problem cleared up later in the afternoon after it started to rain.

Andrew Connon, vice president of NFU Scotland, said the “unpleasant” issue would hit farmers in the pocket.

Mr Connon said: “It is frustrating that sand and soil blow is almost an annual event caused by high winds and gales which dry out and dislodge the light soils.

“It can create a similar effect to drifting snow with roads filling up, causing disruption.

“In addition, the air becomes full of sand, which is unpleasant.

“Farmers’ newly emerged and newly sown crops can incur significant damage and cost.

“Farmers in the area do their best to minimise the issue as much as possible by working the fields prior to rain if practical.

“The issue, although an act of nature, is unpleasant for everyone in the affected areas whether they be local residents or the farmers themselves.”

Meanwhile, snow was again expected over parts of Aberdeenshire, the Highlands and islands overnight.

The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning, which will remain in place until 10am today.

The forecaster said: “Snow showers will become heavier and more frequent overnight.

“Accumulations of snow will be small and patchy at lower levels, and not as widespread as earlier this week, however, the additional hazard of patchy ice is expected form on some surfaces between showers.”

Gusts of up to 70mph were expected in the Shetland Isles last night, but are expected to ease off this morning.

There are currently no warnings in place advising of severe wintry weather over the weekend.

ROAD DANGER: A dust cloud whipped up by high winds caused dangerous driving conditions akin to thick smog. Pictures by Jason Hedges.

The lack of visibility on the road on the approach to Lossiemouth from Elgin was particularly hazardous.