Police are advising drivers not to travel on Wednesday night and early Thursday morning after the Met Office warned of persistent heavy snow across southern and central Scotland.

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Police Scotland urged the public to think seriously before travelling in the “even more extreme conditions” forecast. The Met Office has issued an amber “be prepared” alert from 9pm on Wednesday until 5am on Thursday.

The head of road policing, Ch Supt Stewart Carle, said: “Weather conditions over the last few days have been extremely challenging, and this forecast of even more extreme conditions over the next day or so in these areas means that we have to advise drivers to avoid travelling, and, if they do, to expect severe delays of several hours or more.



“We urge people to think very seriously as to whether their journey is really necessary and worth the risk, and if they decide they really have to travel, to be fully prepared to be self-resilient. If you need medication, for example, ensure you have it with you.”

The advice was issued after mountain rescue volunteers attended drivers stuck in their vehicles on the M74 in Lanarkshire after heavy snow on Tuesday evening. Parts of the motorway were closed in both directions, leading to six miles of tailbacks. More than 100 drivers were stranded for up to 11 hours.

Scotland’s transport minister, Humza Yousaf, apologised to those who had been stranded as a result of persistent snow, which he said was at a level that had not been seen for several years.

An amber weather warning was issued for Newcastle upon Tyne, Durham and Northumberland, with 20cm (8in) of snow forecast over higher ground. The Met Office said persistent and heavy show could cause delays and cancellations to rail and air travel, and could also lead to power cuts.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest A man walks through snow in Leadhills, Scotland. Motorists have been requested to avoid unnecessary journeys on major routes. Photograph: Getty

A yellow weather warning was issued for Northern Ireland on Wednesday night as the region was braced for another blast of snow and ice. The Met Office said the alert would be in place until Friday night and advised motorists to expect long delays. It said there was a potential for 60-70mph winds.

A spokesperson said heavy snow, ice and winds could lead to pylons being felled, resulting in further power cuts across the province. Nearly 3,000 homes were without power on Monday night.

Nearly 300 schools were closed on Wednesday and many are expected to remain shut on Thursday.

On Wednesday the Northern Ireland ambulance service saidit had attended to 13 crashes since Tuesday.

John McPoland, the service’s spokesman, appealed to the public to stay indoors until the worst of the weather had abated by late Thursday. “If it’s not necessary to go out, don’t. And if you have to go out, heed the weather warnings,” he said.



The Police Service of Northern Ireland advised residents to stay home if possible and described many roads as “treacherous”.

A yellow warning for snow and strong winds was also issued across the north of England, from Scarborough to Carlisle. Accumulations of up to 8cm were predicted above 200 metres, with icy patches and sleet expected on Thursday morning. Large swells are expected along the coastline and beach material could be thrown on to seafronts, coastal roads and properties, the Met Office said.

