I guess its that time of year when snow forecasts are welcome....

[OhYouBadBadReindeer]

Massive warning at the start of this thread. I'm not a qualified meteorologist, just a very keen amateur. I do frequently get things wrong and sometimes I miss things when life gets very busy (which it is rather atm) But, I'll do my best to give people a heads up to snow forecasts as we get them, as long as you all promise not to sue/hate me when it all goes horribly wrong.

So first area to highlight is the western side of Scotland including the highlands and part of central Scotland. Met office have warnings Sunday/into Monday

Also very worth being aware that towards the end of this week, hilly parts of northern England including the Pennines (and perhaps welsh hills too?) may well get some snow by the end of the working week.

Our schools are closing at lunchtime due to the storm warnings and Forth Road Bridge is closing between 3-7pm

redlac and seb, can I ask what county you're both in? Seb I think you're over East Ren way aren't you iirc? Am wondering what SLC will be doing about schools, as it seems that pick-up time is about the peak of it, according to Met Office.

I've just got in and it's strangely calm atm

My DM, in Renfrewshire, is insisting on going Christmas shopping tomorrow.

I can't talk her out of it at all.

She'll maybe change her mind once she sees the maelstrom manky? If she's going by train, I would imagine she may have some problems actually getting anywhere.

I'm hoping they cancel the buses - she is planning on getting one into Braehead.

She lives beside the bridge that will be shut if it's as bad as they say it's going to be!

They shut the bridges in much less evere winds than this promises to be, don't they? It does sound as if buses and so on will be off the roads if it gets v bed.

I'm in Stirling midnightexpress. Transport Minister predicts most of the main road bridges will be closed manky

SantaS - not really, just what I've gleaned through interested reading. Can I catch up with you on that after the storms been through, any spare time I have is going on that.

Some links for the storm
bbc report

STV report

met office press release

Aside from the damaging winds, snow looks set to affect a good part of Scotland, NW England and perhaps northern parts of the west midlands. The storm as it comes into some areas may start as heavy rain, turning to snow as it crosses. This renders gritting attempts useless.

Wind wise, looks like the worst of it will be between mid afternoon and lateish evening. If you are in the red area I suggest it is sensible to complete any travel plans before then. Outside of the red area it will still be nasty so take care and stay tuned into your local radio station and check the met office warnings.

I'll update tomorrow before work.

The wind seems a bit quieter here but is still windy. I think this is another case of calm before the storm!

Aaagh! I'm another one in Stirling with the schools closing tomorrow. And have already had half day off this week as childminder ill. Bugger.

At least pavements were ice free for the day :-)

brawhen I have read your name as braw hen. DS1 was looking over my shoulder and asked "why is that poster called Bra When"

Yes, that was nice wasn't it - I dashed madly out in the car today trying to do everything before I have to retire to the bunker.

Just to say before I head off for the evening - after this storm goes through I would take the opportunity to clear up debris etc while you can. The GFS model is showing another damaging storm early next week with a similar track. I hope this doesnt come off - you dont need another one.

And just to reiterate - for those in the red areas and close by please be prepared tomorrow for power cuts and complete travel early.

scotrail revised service

I'm still really uncertain about storm surge potential in the NW for Friday - not my forte, so I'm keeping a close eye on weather forums about that.

g'night all.

Thanks you OYBBR.

Any updates for Cumbria on Thurs /Fri would be v welcome. Apparently wild up near Penrith today

Im only in an amber area, just north of teh red area - will we not be as badly affected or do you think I should take the same precautions? Im just north of Dundee. Im worried about sending the kids to school, they have a mile walk each way.

Does anyone know if the Edinburgh schools are shutting early?

For anyone In Fife who hasn't got a text alert yet All schools will close at lunchtime. Bloody woke me up a 5.30 but glad common sense has prevailed. Think most schools in the east are closing around lunchtime. Take care out there everyone.

I'll answer my own question, the schools in Edinburgh are shutting from 12pm.

Morning all

'Only in an amber area' means that it will be still pretty nasty Glaikit, remember 'red warnings' are reserved for only the most very serious of weather - amber warnings are to be prepared for significant weather..

updated warnings

ok, off to look at the models.

Well the wind is picking up in Dundee, I've not actually moved from under the duvet to see what's happening!

I am guessing the roofer is not attaching my new new flue today!!!

hmm, the strongest winds look to be arriving a little earlier than yesterday with 80mph gusts arriving in western Scotland and NW England by midday. If you are in that area, you already know I'm sure not to travel after first thing this morning. It will last all afternoon and into the evening before it calms down. Eastern side of Scotland is worst by mid afternoon with gusts 70mph+.
I also think that the storm is a little further north than yesterdays models show - so if you are in the warning areas please be aware of that.

Got to go for a few minutes, back with the snow/rain aspect.

Im in Arbroath Claimed, wind is picking up here too! No word on TayFM if Dundee/Angus schools are closing.

anything on your school or council website Glaikit?