The UK’s northern regions are currently under the threat of six avalanche warnings, with five of them categorized as amber warnings indicating a ‘considerable hazard’ level. These warnings have been issued by the Scottish Avalanche Information Service (SAIS) due to the accumulation of unstable snow in elevated areas, posing a danger to lower regions as Storm Chandra impacts Britain.
In Scotland, there are six warnings in effect, with five areas under amber avalanche warnings denoting a significant risk and one area marked with a ‘low hazard’ green warning designation.
One of the warning zones, Torridon in the Northwest Highlands, is under a green ‘low hazard’ warning due to stormy conditions with snow above 500 meters height leading to unstable ‘windslabs’ that could potentially cascade into valleys. SAIS has alerted about Storm Chandra’s approach, bringing strong gusts up to 80 mph to the Torridon area.
The Glencoe area, also under an amber warning, faces the risk of avalanches and cornice collapse with an anticipated ‘considerable’ avalanche hazard level. The region is expected to experience heavy and persistent snow alongside gale to storm force winds due to Storm Chandra.
Similarly, the Lochaber region near Fort William and Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles, is under an amber avalanche warning. SAIS highlights the likelihood of significant snow movement in strong winds, with overnight and Tuesday snow showers posing a considerable avalanche risk.
Additional amber warnings cover Creag Meagaidh in the northwest and the Northern Cairngorms in the east, both facing considerable avalanche hazards due to continuous snowfall and potential collapses in the snowpack.
The Southern Cairngorms region is also at risk with potential avalanches in sheltered steeper areas as strong winds, heavy snow, and poor visibility characterize the current conditions.
Apart from avalanche warnings, there are currently eight yellow Met Office weather alerts in place for rain, wind, and snow as Storm Chandra sweeps across the country, with two amber warnings specifically for wind and rain in the South West and Northern Ireland.
A yellow warning for rain and snow has been issued for much of the Scottish Highlands, cautioning people to remain vigilant throughout the day due to varying snow depths based on elevation levels.
According to Met Office’s Chief Forecaster, Paul Gundersen, Storm Chandra will bring multiple hazards to the UK, including strong winds, heavy rain, and accumulating snow in different regions. It is advised to stay updated with the forecast and local warnings due to the complex weather patterns expected.
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