Snow blanketed northern Scotland on November 19, 2025, forcing the closure of dozens of schools and creating dangerous road conditions for drivers. Heavy flurries and ice gripped areas like Aberdeenshire, the Highlands, Shetland, and Moray, prompting travel warnings from local councils and the Met Office.
School Closures Hit Hard in Key Regions
Authorities closed 19 schools in Aberdeenshire to keep students safe from the sudden snow dump. In the Highland Council area, another 20 schools shut their doors for the day, affecting thousands of pupils who had to shift to remote learning or stay home.
Shetland saw several schools and nurseries close, with more than a quarter of its institutions impacted by the wintry blast. Three schools in Moray also remained shut, as council teams assessed the risks from slippery paths and potential power outages.
This wave of closures echoes a similar event last winter when over 50 schools in the same regions closed due to ice storms. Parents received early alerts via apps and emails, allowing time to arrange childcare amid the chaos.
Road Disruptions Cause Major Delays
Drivers in Aberdeen faced long queues and tough conditions during the morning rush on November 19. One vehicle crashed into a lamppost after skidding on untreated roads, highlighting the dangers of the fresh snow.
The A9 at Dunbeath in Caithness shut down temporarily after a lorry jack-knifed, blocking traffic for hours before crews cleared it in the afternoon. Snow ploughs worked overtime in places like Elrick in Aberdeenshire, but black ice still posed threats on secondary routes.
Motorists reported slow progress on major arteries, with some routes in the Highlands seeing delays of up to two hours. Local police urged people to check road updates before traveling, as gusty winds made conditions even worse.
Here is a quick overview of key road issues reported:
- A9 Dunbeath: Closed due to lorry incident, reopened by afternoon.
- Aberdeen city center: Heavy congestion and minor crashes from ice.
- Highland back roads: Untreated surfaces leading to stranded vehicles.
Met Office Issues Snow and Ice Alerts
The Met Office placed a yellow warning for snow and ice across northern Scotland, effective until 9pm on November 20, 2025. This alert covers the Highlands, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Orkney, Shetland, and parts of Argyll and Bute, predicting up to 5cm of snow at low levels and 20cm on higher ground.
Experts noted that brisk northerly winds could whip up snow drifts, increasing the risk of isolated communities getting cut off. Temperatures dipped to -7C in Tulloch Bridge over the weekend, with similar lows expected overnight.
An amber warning for heavier snow was issued in some southern areas, but northern regions stuck with yellow levels to avoid over-alarm. This comes after a mild start to November, where average nights stayed above freezing until this cold snap hit.
| Region | Expected Snow Accumulation | Warning Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aberdeenshire | 2-5cm low, 10-20cm high | Yellow | Until Nov 20 |
| Highlands | 5-10cm hills, up to 15cm peaks | Yellow | Until Nov 20 |
| Shetland | Light flurries, 2-5cm | Yellow | Until Nov 20 |
| Moray | 2-5cm, ice risks | Yellow | Until Nov 20 |
Community Responses and Safety Tips
Residents in affected areas shared stories of building snowmen and enjoying the rare early winter scene, but many focused on staying safe. Community centers in Inverness opened as warming hubs for those without heat, while volunteers helped clear paths for the elderly.
One local farmer in Caithness mentioned how the snow delayed livestock feed deliveries, tying into broader concerns about rural impacts. Schools planned catch-up sessions for the following week to minimize learning gaps.
To help readers navigate similar weather, consider these practical steps:
- Check the Met Office app for real-time updates on snow in northern Scotland.
- Equip your car with winter tires and an emergency kit including blankets and food.
- Stay indoors if possible, and report hazards to local authorities promptly.
This event reminds us of the 2024 Highland floods, where quick community action saved lives, showing how preparedness pays off.
Forecast Points to Gradual Thaw
Conditions should ease by Friday, November 21, 2025, as warmer air moves in from the south. However, lingering ice could cause issues into the weekend, with forecasts showing highs of 4C in Aberdeen.
Experts predict this snow as part of a pattern of wetter winters due to climate shifts, urging long-term investments in road resilience. Travelers planning trips to the Highlands should monitor updates closely.
As northern Scotland digs out from this snow event, share your experiences in the comments below and spread the word to help others stay safe.
