Travel disruption as Storm Chandra brings snow, strong winds and heavy rain to Scotland
Peter JollyStorm Chandra is causing travel disruption across Scotland with weather warnings for snow, strong winds and heavy rain in place for the southern and central parts of the country.
Ferries and flights have been cancelled and a number of roads shut with significant snow affecting routes around the country.
It is the third major storm to hit the UK this month after Goretti and Ingrid, which caused significant damage and disruption.
A yellow wind warning is in place for south-west Scotland until midnight and a another for rain and snow across much of central Scotland.
Bear NW Trunk RoadsTwo yellow weather warnings currently in place are:
- South-west Scotland (wind) in force until 23:59
- Central, Tayside & Fife, Grampian, the Highlands and Eilean Siar and Strathclyde (rain and snow) in place until 23:59
An additional warning has also been issued for ice affecting many inland parts of the country in southern and central Scotland from midnight to 10:00 on Wednesday.
A Met Office spokesman said: "Clearing skies on Tuesday night will allow temperatures to fall below freezing soon after midnight and on Wednesday morning.
"After the recent wet weather, icy patches are likely to develop on some untreated surfaces."
In Dunoon, Argyll and Bute, heavy winds caused some damage at the Riverside Leisure Centre leading to its closure.
The esplanade road outside the site was also shut and repairs will be carried out when conditions allow.
The centre is expected to reopen on Wednesday.
Nellington/BBC Weather WatchersMore severe amber warnings are also in place for other parts of the UK.
Ferry crossings between Scotland and Northern Ireland have been affected by the storm.
Police Scotland said Operation Overflow - emergency parking for lorries unable to travel - had been activated after a number of sailings to and from Cairnryan were cancelled because of forecast high winds.
"Those booked onto any of the affected sailings are advised not to travel to the area as long as delays are expected and should instead seek alternative travel options elsewhere," a police spokesperson advised.
Caledonian MacBrayne has reported disruption on the vast majority of its routes.
Among the routes where services are suspended are between Ardrossan and Brodick, between Troon and Brodick, between Oban and Castlebay, between Mallaig and Canna, and between Uig and Tarbert.
Among those affected by the cancellations is Martin Shorey whose journey home has been disrupted.
"I am stranded in Oban for day two," he said.
"I should have been home in Tobermory, Isle of Mull.
"I am staying in a hotel hoping that ferry service will return to normal - no guarantees."
Scottish regional airline Loganair has also cancelled several flights.
The affected routes are between Manchester and both Newquay and the Isle of Man, between Liverpool John Lennon and the Isle of Man, and between Glasgow and Islay, Campbeltown and Tiree.
On the roads, the A77 was shut in both directions near Cairnryan for a time due to a fallen tree on the carriageway.
The A701 was also closed at St Ann's Bridge for nine hours following a two-vehicle crash reported at about 06:20. Two people have been taken to hospital.
A lorry and a coach overturned in high winds on the A82 around Loch Tulla with no serious injuries and disruption kept to a minimum.
The road was later closed in both directions north of Spean Bridge by the Letterfinlay Straights due to a number of fallen trees.
The weather has also taken its toll on football fixtures with a number of games postponed.
Arbroath's Scottish Challenge Cup tie with Airdrieonians and Ayr United's quarter-final visit to St Johnstone fell victim to the weather.
Stranraer against Clyde in Scottish League 2 was also postponed following a pitch inspection.
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