An amber weather warning has been issued in West Lothian by the Met Office after heavy snow fell across Scotland's Central Belt overnight.
A yellow alert was already in place, with warnings for travellers to take extra care this morning (December 16). The Met Office said that snow showers are moving across much of the country, with a number of road closures being reported in the early hours.
The new 'amber' warning warning was issued at 3.53am this morning. The Met Office said: "Outbreaks of snow are expected to move eastwards across Scotland on Friday. Snow will initially fall to low levels, with 5 to 10 cm accumulating in places this morning in two to three hours.
"From late morning, snow at low levels will turn to sleet or rain, but further snow is likely above 200 metres where up to 20 cm may accumulate by afternoon."
The weather forecaster says tha travel delays on roads are likely, stranding some vehicles and passengers, some delays and cancellations to rail and air travel are likely. It also says there is a good chance that some rural communities could become cut off, and Power cuts are likely and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected.
Road maintenance and management firm BEAR Scotland said: "We have gritters out but driving conditions are difficult. Please reduce your speed and take care."
A Yellow warning is still in place covering the early hours of this morning until around 8pm this evening. It comes as forecasters issued a further yellow warning for snow and ice covering the majority of Scotland, Wales, the north of England and the English Midlands from 3am to 9pm on Sunday.
The Met Office says the UK will be swept by snow on Saturday night with the potential for up to 15cm in the north of Scotland.
Forecasters say that following the blanket of snow at the weekend, a band of rain and milder air should follow to bring to an end to the cold snap.
READ NEXT:
East Lothian driver who caused death of three school friends in crash escapes road ban
Edinburgh trains cancelled across different services due to overhead fault
Edinburgh police hunt English man last seen with sleeping bag at local beauty spot
Historic Edinburgh Old Town buildings to be bulldozed for new student flats
West Lothian deaf dog looking for his forever home after being 'misunderstood'
