URGENT UPDATE: Rail services between Inverness and Aberdeen are facing significant disruptions due to severe weather, with heavy snowfall expected to continue impacting travel until at least midday on January 5, 2024. Authorities confirm that snowploughs will be deployed across affected routes, including services to Dundee, Wick, and Thurso.
Passengers are strongly advised to check their journeys before traveling. The Met Office has issued updated amber weather warnings for northern and northeastern Scotland, effective from tonight until Monday morning, as frequent heavy snow is anticipated. Yellow warnings for snow and ice are also in place throughout the region.
Snow depths exceeding 30cm pose serious risks to rail operations, limiting safe train movements unless equipped with snowploughs. With temperatures dropping, snow and ice accumulation on tracks can block critical points, further complicating travel.
Network Rail’s snowploughs are working around the clock to clear tracks, but snowdrifts are rapidly forming, disrupting services. Officials emphasize that safety is paramount, and lines will only resume operations once conditions are deemed safe.
Ross Moran, Route Director at Network Rail Scotland, stated:
“The heavy snow across the north of Scotland is causing disruption to services, though our teams are working hard to keep the railway running and passengers informed.”
ScotRail’s Service Delivery Director, Mark Ilderton, confirmed that services on key routes will remain suspended until at least midday tomorrow. He noted the inconvenience this may cause for travelers and reassured passengers that safety remains the top priority.
Passengers are urged to stay updated via the ScotRail website or social media channels. For the latest service changes, visit nationalrail.co.uk.
With rural communities at risk of being cut off, Highland Council has warned residents to only travel if absolutely necessary. The combination of heavy snowfall and low temperatures could lead to further travel chaos, with flights also being affected in Inverness.
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation evolves throughout the weekend. The safety of all passengers and railway staff remains the highest priority as authorities manage the impact of this severe winter weather.
