Snow warnings in place in the Borders

Light snow is falling in Galashiels at the moment, with more expected later.

Weather warnings for snow are in place for the Scottish Borders, and remain in place until late tomorrow night.

Currently in Galashiels, there is light snow falling, which is just beginning to lie on the ground, but more is expected throughout today and tomorrow.

A yellow weather warning for snow and ice encompasses almost the whole of the region and runs until 11.59pm on Tuesday. The forecast is for rain to turn to snow, which may be heavy at times and is expected to persist throughout Tuesday, with snow at all levels apart from on the east coast.

Up to 10cm of snow is possible over 150m across southern Scotland, with the potential for 20cm or more on the high ground.

This warning is immediately followed by a yellow weather warning for snow, which covers the central and western Borders and runs through until 11.59pm on Wednesday night.

Between 10cm and 20cm of snow is possible above 200m, with rain more likely at lower levels. Where the snow combines with strong easterly winds conditions may be difficult.

Jim Fraser, Scottish Borders Council’s emergency planning officer, said: “Once again it appears that the Borders will experience another short blast of wintry weather, with potentially some significant accumulations of snow in places over the next couple of days.

“This may lead to difficult travel conditions, both on the roads and underfoot, and I’d again appeal to Borderers to play their part in helping the council and our emergency partners at this time.

“If your journey can be delayed, please do so until conditions improve, and of course at this time you should only be leaving your home for essential purposes to continue to help reduce the spread of Covid-19.

“The council has robust plans in place to deal with snowfall over the coming days, with additional resources available to support our normal winter maintenance operations with snow clearance as required.

"We are continuing to liaise closely with the Met Office and other key partners and will ensure that we continue to support our communities as best we can.”

Some council services may not be available as staff resources are prioritised on snow clearance.