Schools shut, roads closed and power outages for hundreds as wind and snow batter North-east

Schools and roads were closed today and 500 properties suffered power cuts as winter storms battered the North-east.

The wintry blast led to crashes and power failures across the region.

High winds caused a lorry to blow over on the A90 at Fordoun.

A section of the busy route heading northbound was blocked at 8.15am but was later cleared.

Properties in Ballater and Fraserburgh were the worst affected by power cuts as gusts of more than 60mph were recorded, with some of the highest wind speeds hitting Peterhead and Aboyne.

A Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks spokesman said: “We experienced very high winds along with heavy snow showers across most of the North-east.

“We were well resourced and our engineers restored supplies.

“The worst of the weather passed but it was still windy and snowy throughout the morning.

“Overall there were approximately 500 customers affected in the North-east.”

Schools in Aberdeenshire also closed because of the storms.

Towie Primary School and Nursery at Glenkindie closed due to unsafe driving conditions and road closures.

Strathdon, St Combs and Logie Coldstone schools also shut due to power cuts.

Roads were also closed across the region.

The A93 Braemar to Cairnwell road, the B974 Banchory to Fettercairn road and the A97 Lumsden to Rhynie road were all sh due to the weather conditions.

Safety warnings were also issued for anyone driving on the A952 between Toll of Birness and Mintlaw and on the B9077 South Deeside Road and Leggart Terrace.

Stagecoach was also forced to cancel some bus services running between Stonehaven and Aberdeen due to high winds on the A90.

The company chose not to run its 6.48am service 7 and 7.03am X6 service due to the conditions.

Flood defences like sandbags were also handed out in the High Shore area of Macduff and neighbouring Scotstown amid flooding fears.

Pallets of sandbags were laid out in Banff and Fraserburgh.

The flooding risk was expected to be at its highest between noon and 1pm today.

A Met Office spokesman said: “As we go over the weekend it will remain reasonably cold.

“There will still be wintry showers and the wind will ease.

“Conditions will go from cold and crisp to rather murky conditions.”

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