For the first time since records began, a Red Weather Warning has been issued in Scotland, the highest warning level meaning the weather conditions may bring a risk to life.
Schools and Nurseries within Renfrewshire will remain closed tomorrow (Thursday) with a decision to be made later regarding plans to open or remain closed on Friday.
The met office reports that heavy snow showers and drifting of lying snow in the strong easterly winds will become more widespread across the area later on Wednesday afternoon, through the evening and overnight into Thursday.
Roads will become blocked by deep snow, with many stranded vehicles and passengers. Long delays and cancellations on bus, rail and air travel should be expected.#
It may also see some communities becoming cut off for several days and in the worst case, long interruptions to power supplies and other services.
What is opened and what is closed: What we know so far:
- Renfrewshire & East Renfrewshire Schools and Nurseries will remain closed tomorrow
- Glasgow Airport runway has reopened but all flights are finished for today, however, airlines have cancelled a large number of flights as a result of the extreme weather. Please check with your airline for specific flight information before travelling to the airport. More snow is expected over night and the airport will review the runway tomorrow.
- The University of the West of Scotland campuses across Scotland, including Paisley will be closed tomorrow
- West College Scotland will also be closed tomorrow
- All sports and leisure facilities along with libraries, Paisley Museum, Paisley Arts Centre, community centres and town halls operated by Renfrewshire Leisure will close at 2pm today and remain closed tomorrow.
Photo: Johnstone Castle in the snow
Renfrewshire Council said: “The Met Office have now issued a red weather warning for Renfrewshire and parts of Scotland due to extreme weather conditions expected later today – running from 3pm today until 10am tomorrow.
“The advice is not to travel under any circumstances during those hours. Ensure you remain safe and follow the advice of the emergency services at all times. Council services are affected as follows.
“All schools and nurseries will remain closed today and tomorrow (Thursday). We will update you tomorrow whether they will reopen on Friday. All bin collections today and tomorrow will be cancelled.
“All other essential council services – such as care at home and some social work services – will be operating to the best of our ability but council offices will be closing later this afternoon. We will issue any updates on here, Facebook and on our website.
“As it stands the conditions are making things very challenging but our gritters & snow ploughs have been out overnight & will stay out all today. We are sure you appreciate we can’t get to every residential street but all main roads are open at present.
“Our street teams were also out at 5.30am helping to clear the snow from pavements.”
Photo: Renfrewshire Council HQ today
What do the different colours mean for weather warnings?
Yellow weather warning
Yellow means “be aware”. Severe weather is possible over the next few days and could affect you.
Plan ahead and think about possible travel delays or the disruption of your day to day activities.
Keep an eye on the latest forecast and be aware that the weather may change or worsen, leading to disruption of your plans in the next few days.
Amber weather warning
Amber means “be prepared”. There is an increased likelihood of bad or extreme weather, potentially disrupting plans and causing travel delays, road and rail closures, interruption to power and the potential risk to life and property.
Be prepared to change your plans and protect you, your family and community from the impacts of the severe weather.
Red weather warning
Red means “take action”. Extreme weather is expected.
Take action to keep yourself and others safe from the impact of the weather.
Widespread damage, travel and power disruption and risk to life is likely.
Avoid dangerous areas and follow the advice of the emergency services and local authorities.