WHILE PARTS OF Moray escaped the worst ravages of high winds and snow storms overnight many motorists were caught up in chaotic conditions.
The predicted snow forms hit as predicted from the early evening with many communities – in particular those on higher levels in Moray, Speyside and into Aberdeenshire – experiencing the first real snowfalls of the winter.
Those heading into Aberdeenshire along the A96 ran into trouble when the road was closed for two hours between Huntly and Colpy, with several vehicles becoming trapped in drifting snow.
Police and council road teams were kept busy throughout the night ensuring motorists were safe with the road finally cleared again at around 10pm last night. Police had warned motorists to take extra care on roads throughout the region as temperatures dipped overnight, leaving ice as a problem facing drivers this morning as the snow storms finally clear.
For communities along the Moray coastline heavy rain and driving wind was the main issue facing motorists, again, however, police warned that drivers should take extra care when they are out and about this morning.
Forecasters meanwhile say that the snow and high winds will make way for calmer conditions with temperatures rising again by the time people return to work on Monday – although “long spells of rain” should be expected before the end of the week.