Scotland could be brought to a standstill as forecasters have predicted a possible 16 inches of snow through Thursday and Friday.
A fresh weather warning has been issued by the Met Office as the second day of snowfall begins. The alert for snow and ice covering the northeast of Scotland is in effect 6pm to 10am tomorrow, with a further 3cm of snowfall in some places and icy road surfaces.
The forecaster has warned of "very challenging conditions" amid the largest snowfall Scotland has seen since the Beast from the East in 2018. It comes amid a separate warning for central and southern Scotland on Thursday and Friday for up to a staggering 40cm or 16 inches of snow.
Scots are being asked to "urgently review" travel plans as accompanying winds may cause blizzards.
Weather maps show how the bone chilling Arctic air brought about a cold start to this morning. The UK saw its coldest night of the year on Tuesday as temperatures reached a record low of -15.2C in the Highlands village of Kinbrace.
As we move into Thursday and Friday, the snowy weather will impact more southern areas below the central belt.
Parts of the country are already experiencing disruption with road and school closures. The Met Office has warned of possible road closures, abandoned vehicles and cut of access to some rural communities. Pedestrians are also being urged to take caution to avoid injuries from slips on icy surfaces.
Dale Hipkiss, National Network Manager at National Highways, says keeping warm clothes and a torch in your car is "vital" in case you get stranded in winter.
He said: "Freezing conditions bring so many hazards such as snow and ice and take every possible step to understand your journey in advance and allow lots of extra time when travelling to prepare for the unexpected."
The outlook for the weekend looks to be a very cold start on Saturday before further rain and snow moves northeastwards until Sunday.
Here's what you should know about the latest yellow weather warning for Wednesday, including what to expect and areas effected.
Scotland yellow weather warning - snow and ice
When: 6pm Wednesday, March 8 until 10am Thursday, March 9
The Met Office have issued a fresh yellow warning for snow and ice in north Scotland, which will begin at 6pm today and last until 10am tomorrow.
The forecaster said: "Snow and hail showers will continue to affect parts of northern Scotland, with further accumulations of 1-3 cm possible in some places. Icy stretches are also expected on untreated roads, particularly during hours of darkness."
What to expect
- Some roads and railways likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services
- Some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces
- Probably some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths
Regions and local authorities affected
Grampian
- Aberdeenshire
- Moray
Highlands & Eilean Siar
- Na h-Eileanan Siar
- Highland
Orkney & Shetland
- Orkney Islands
- Shetland Islands
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