20 inches of snow on the way

A MASSIVE snowstorm and high winds were this afternoon predicted to hit the region.

Weather experts warned some areas could see up to 20in (50cm) of snow over the next two days.

And gusts of 60mph were expected to blast higher ground, including Braemar. Winds of up to 45mph were also predicted to hit Aberdeen, with a potential of snow drifts.

A Met Office spokeswoman said: “We could see a lot of heavy snowfall through until Friday.

“On higher ground like Braemar we’re expecting up to 20in of fresh snow with drifts in the strong winds.”

The Met Office spokeswoman said up to 20in (50cm) of snow was also forecast for Ballater and Huntly.

She said parts of Aberdeenshire, including Aboyne and Fyvie, were expected to see up to 12in (30cm), with up to 8in (20cm) forecast for Inverurie, up to 6in (15cm) in Newmachar, and 4ins (10cm) for Aberdeen and Banff.

And Ellon, Peterhead and Stonehaven could be hit with 2in (5cm) of snow.

An Aberdeen City Council spokeswoman said the authority was not expecting major weather problems in the city centre.

She said: “We have nightshift operations running and have had for months now. Extra staff can be called in if required.”

The wintry weather has already seen more than 40 Aberdeenshire schools either closed or partially closed because of the snow as school transport was cancelled.

And some schools, including Alford Academy, Glass School and Keig School, sent children home at lunchtime.

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