A rare amber snow warning has plunged northern Scotland into a deep freeze, with Aberdeen, Moray, Shetland and Orkney among the worst hit as heavy snow, freezing temperatures and strong winds disrupt the first full working week of 2026.

Hundreds of schools are closed, flights have been cancelled or delayed, key roads are blocked by drifting snow and authorities are urging people to avoid all but essential travel as conditions deteriorate.

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Amber Snow Alert Sends Northern Scotland Into Lockdown

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for heavy snow across parts of northern Scotland from the evening of Sunday 4 January through 10:00 on Monday 5 January, covering Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, the Highlands, Orkney and Shetland.

Forecasters expect widespread accumulations of 5 to 10 centimeters at lower levels, with as much as 20 to 30 centimeters possible on higher ground. Strong winds are creating blizzard-like conditions in exposed areas, with drifting snow and rapidly changing visibility.

Transport Scotland has activated its multi agency response team for extended hours to monitor the situation as people attempt to return to work and school after the festive break.

Police Scotland has issued repeated warnings that some rural communities risk being cut off, with a likelihood of stranded vehicles, power cuts and disruption to mobile signals.

Yellow warnings for snow and ice remain in force further south, extending the impact of the system beyond the core amber zone.

Across the north and northeast, residents reported snow building through Sunday, turning to frequent heavy showers overnight. By early Monday morning, deep drifts, wind-whipped flurries and temperatures widely below freezing had combined to turn routine commutes into a logistical challenge.

Authorities are emphasizing that conditions may worsen in places as snow continues to fall onto already frozen surfaces.

Schools Shut From Aberdeen To The Northern Isles

Education services across northern Scotland have been heavily disrupted, with hundreds of schools either closed entirely or operating on reduced hours on Monday 5 January.

Councils in the most severely affected areas moved on Sunday night to announce blanket closures or delayed starts, citing safety concerns for pupils and staff travelling on untreated or partially cleared routes.

In Shetland, all schools are closed for the day, with the local council confirming that hazardous road conditions and ongoing snowfall made it impossible to guarantee safe journeys.

Orkney has followed suit, suspending classroom teaching and urging families to monitor council channels for updates about later in the week.

Many rural pupils rely on school transport that cannot operate reliably in drifting snow and poor visibility.

On the mainland, Aberdeen City Council has opted for a delayed opening policy, with schools instructed to start at 11:00 and breakfast clubs cancelled.

This is intended to buy extra time for gritting crews and snowploughs to work through priority routes and allow conditions to stabilize.

In neighbouring Aberdeenshire, where some of the heaviest accumulations have been reported, scores of schools are closed completely, while others are reviewing options for partial reopening once roads are assessed.

Moray Council has also announced widespread closures across its school estate, encouraging remote learning where possible and reminding parents that attendance will not be penalized in areas where travelling is unsafe.

Families are being told to check local authority websites, social media and radio bulletins on Monday morning for the latest information as decisions are updated in real time.

Flights Cancelled And Ferries Disrupted As Travel Network Stalls

Air travel to and from northern Scotland is facing significant disruption, with regional carriers cancelling multiple services in response to the severe weather.

Loganair has suspended a number of flights from Aberdeen and Inverness, citing safety concerns amid low visibility, strong crosswinds and the risk of ice accumulation.

Passengers are being offered the option to rebook free of charge onto later dates, with airlines advising would-be travelers not to set off for the airport without checking live flight status.

Aberdeen Airport remains technically open but is operating a reduced schedule, with ground crews working continuously to clear snow from runways and taxiways.

Occasional gaps in the snow showers have permitted some departures and arrivals, but airlines warned that conditions could change rapidly and lead to last minute cancellations.

Travelers connecting to Shetland and Orkney have been particularly affected, as these lifeline routes are highly sensitive to weather impacts both on the mainland and in the islands.

On the sea, ferry operators have curtailed or suspended some services to and from northern island communities as rough seas and poor visibility combine with heavy snow.

Sailings to Orkney and Shetland are subject to delay, short notice cancellation or diversion, while shorter mainland routes have also been disrupted.

Island councils are urging residents to travel only if essential and to carry supplies and warm clothing in case of extended waits at ports.

Rail services in the north and northeast have likewise come under pressure, with snow and ice affecting points and overhead lines on some routes.

Network Rail deployed snowplough trains overnight to keep key lines open, but passengers are encountering reduced timetables, slower journeys and potential train cancellations.

Operators are recommending that anyone who can postpone their journey should consider doing so until the weather improves.

Roads Closed, Drivers Stranded And Police Urge Against Non Essential Travel

On the road network, conditions in parts of northern Scotland have deteriorated to the point where major routes are closed and some vehicles have become stranded.

Sections of arterial roads including the A9 and A99 have been shut due to drifting snow, with authorities describing parts of Aberdeenshire’s network as impassable.

Snow ploughs and gritters have been operating around the clock, but strong winds and recurring showers are quickly undoing their work in open, exposed stretches.

Police Scotland has issued repeated appeals for motorists to avoid non essential journeys within areas covered by the amber warning. Officers warn that even roads that appear passable can become treacherous within minutes as snow squalls blow through.

There have been reports of drivers becoming trapped behind jackknifed lorries or blocked by abandoned vehicles where traction has been lost on inclines or untreated bends.

Where travel is unavoidable, authorities are urging people to carry winter emergency kits, including warm clothing, food, water, a fully charged mobile phone and, if possible, a shovel and tow rope.

Motorists are also being reminded to clear all snow from their vehicle roofs and windows and to leave extra time for journeys.

Bus companies in Aberdeen, Moray, Orkney and Shetland are operating skeletal or revised services, with some routes curtailed or diverted away from higher ground and untreated side roads.

In rural communities, local resilience groups are checking on vulnerable residents and helping to clear paths and access points. Farmers and contractors equipped with heavy machinery are assisting with clearing snowbound roads in cooperation with councils.

However, with further snowfalls expected through Monday and lingering cold air in place, there is concern that some smaller settlements could remain effectively cut off until later in the week.

Tourism, Local Economy And Travellers’ Plans Thrown Into Disarray

The timing of the storm, coinciding with the post festive return to normal routines, has posed a particular challenge for tourism and hospitality businesses.

Many hotels and guesthouses in Aberdeen, Moray and the island council areas had been expecting a wave of business travellers as well as winter tourists keen to experience Scotland’s dramatic seasonal landscapes.

Instead, they are dealing with cancellations, stranded guests and staff unable to reach workplaces.

In Aberdeen, city centre hotels reported a sharp rise in enquiries on Sunday evening from travelers seeking an extra night’s accommodation after flights were cancelled or roads became impassable.

Some properties have relaxed check-out times or offered discounted emergency rates, while also contending with their own staffing shortages due to the conditions.

Restaurants and bars that had stocked up for a busy first week of the year now face reduced footfall and, in some cases, earlier closures for staff safety.

For visitors already in northern Scotland, the priority is adjusting plans to accommodate delayed departures, closed attractions and disrupted local transport.

Museums, leisure centres and heritage sites in Aberdeen and Moray have warned of altered opening hours or temporary closures, while community events scheduled for Monday and Tuesday are being postponed.

Travellers are being advised to maintain regular contact with accommodation providers, tour operators and transport companies for up to date information.

In the Northern Isles, where tourism is a crucial part of the local economy, the storm is a reminder of the fragility of winter connectivity.

Island-based tour guides, craft businesses and small hospitality operators are used to weather-related disruption, but prolonged closures of transport links can have a disproportionate impact.

At the same time, many residents emphasize that such storms are part of the authentic northern experience and highlight the resilience and close-knit nature of their communities.

What Authorities And Forecasters Expect Next

Met Office guidance indicates that the heaviest and most disruptive snowfall associated with the current amber warning is likely to ease later on Monday morning, although wintry showers and icy patches will persist in many areas throughout the day.

As temperatures remain below freezing in places, any thawing during daylight hours is expected to refreeze overnight, maintaining a high risk of ice on untreated surfaces.

Transport Scotland and local councils are using a combination of road sensors, live traffic cameras and on the ground reports to prioritize gritting and ploughing operations.

Key commuter corridors, access to hospitals and main bus routes are being treated first, with secondary and residential roads addressed as resources allow.

Officials stress that while crews are working continuously, the volume of snow and strength of winds mean that complete clearance will take time.

Public health agencies are also monitoring the impact of the cold spell on vulnerable groups, including older people, those with pre-existing medical conditions and people facing housing insecurity.

Cold weather health alerts remain in place for much of the UK, with health services braced for an uptick in weather-related incidents ranging from slips and falls to respiratory issues.

Residents in affected areas are being urged to check in on neighbours, ensure adequate heating where possible and seek advice promptly if they feel unwell.

Forecasters suggest that milder air may begin to edge into parts of the UK later in the week, potentially bringing a transition from snow to rain in some regions.

However, any such shift could introduce new hazards, including localised flooding where rapid snowmelt coincides with heavy rainfall.

For now, the focus in Aberdeen, Moray, Shetland and Orkney remains on managing the immediate effects of the snowstorm and keeping people safe during a challenging start to the new year.

Practical Advice For Travellers In Northern Scotland

For those currently in or heading to northern Scotland, the overriding message from authorities is to plan cautiously, stay informed and be prepared to change or cancel journeys at short notice.

Anyone due to travel on Monday 5 January or Tuesday 6 January should check the latest information from airlines, ferry companies, rail operators and road authorities before setting out, and monitor conditions frequently during the day.

Drivers who must travel are urged to check fuel levels, carry warm clothing and blankets, pack food and hot drinks if possible, and ensure that mobile devices are fully charged.

Winter-ready vehicles with good quality tyres, adequate screenwash and de-iced windows are better able to cope, but even well prepared motorists can encounter sudden deterioration in conditions.

Sticking to main, treated routes and avoiding high, exposed roads where possible can reduce risk.

Visitors considering non essential trips into the affected areas over the next 24 to 48 hours may wish to postpone until a clearer picture emerges regarding road and air links.

For those whose itineraries are flexible, it may be more comfortable to base themselves in cities or larger towns with more resilient infrastructure and a wider choice of accommodation and services.

Travel insurance policies that cover weather-related disruption can help mitigate financial losses due to cancelled plans.

At the local level, businesses are publicizing changes in hours and services through social media and local media outlets, and many are showing flexibility with bookings to support guests facing unavoidable delays.

Communities, meanwhile, are leaning on well-established winter resilience practices, from volunteer snow clearing to neighbourly check-ins, underscoring that while the storm has created a logistical challenge, it has also brought a renewed sense of mutual support.

FAQ

Q1. Which areas of Scotland are currently worst affected by the snowstorm?
Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, the Highlands, Orkney and Shetland are among the worst affected, sitting under an amber warning for heavy snow, with surrounding regions under broader yellow warnings for snow and ice.

Q2. Are schools open today in Aberdeen, Moray, Shetland and Orkney?
Most schools in Shetland and Orkney are closed on Monday 5 January due to hazardous conditions, while Aberdeen schools are opening later than usual and many schools in Aberdeenshire and Moray are closed or reviewing their status.

Q3. How badly is travel affected and should I avoid driving?
Travel is heavily disrupted, with some main roads closed, drifting snow reducing visibility and police strongly advising against non essential journeys in the amber warning areas.

Q4. Are flights still operating from Aberdeen and Inverness Airports?
Both airports remain open but several flights, particularly regional services, have been cancelled or delayed, and passengers are advised to check with their airline before travelling.

Q5. What are the conditions like on the islands of Shetland and Orkney?
The Northern Isles are experiencing heavy snow, strong winds and poor visibility, leading to school closures, disruption to ferry and air links and difficult driving conditions on local roads.

Q6. How long is the amber snow warning expected to last?
The current amber warning for northern Scotland runs until 10:00 on Monday 5 January, though further showers and icy conditions are expected beyond that time under ongoing yellow warnings.

Q7. What should I pack if I must travel by car in these conditions?
Authorities recommend warm clothing and blankets, food and drinks, a fully charged mobile phone, a scraper or brush, and, if possible, a shovel and basic emergency kit in case you become stranded.

Q8. Are public transport services such as buses and trains still running?
Many bus routes are curtailed, diverted or suspended, and rail services are operating reduced or altered timetables, so passengers should check specific services shortly before travelling.

Q9. I am visiting northern Scotland as a tourist. Should I change my plans?
If your trip is flexible, it may be wise to delay travel into the most affected areas until conditions and transport links improve, and to speak with accommodation providers about options for changing bookings.

Q10. Where can residents and travellers get the latest updates on the situation?
People in the affected regions should monitor forecasts from the national weather service, follow guidance from Police Scotland, Transport Scotland and local councils, and listen to local news outlets for regular travel and school closure updates.