Snow has begun falling in northern Scotland,with some roads already blanketed and more blizzard conditions expected in the coming days. Photos from Moray show dangerous conditions on the A96 road between Keith and Huntly, with several inches of snow already on the ground.
Motorists have been urged to drive care after the snow gates at 'the Lecht' and Cock Bridge to Corgarff (A939) and the Cairn O Mount Road (B974) were closed by police on Tuesday evening.
Scotland is braced for freezing temperatures over the coming days, with cold air coming in from the Artic. A weather warning is in place for snow and ice until Friday afternoon covering the Highlands, Aberdeenshire and Moray.
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Forecasters have predicted that snowfall could reach up to 10-15cm with temperatures as low as -10°C overnight in some spots, and more weather warnings might also be on their way. Blizzard conditions are likely the Met Office has said and they have urged drivers to take extra precautions.
Be prepared before setting off and check tyres are properly inflated and with good tread, while topping up oil, coolant and screen wash levels if needed. Those with older batteries in their cars might also wish to give their vehicle a 20-minute drive before colder conditions arrive to ensure the battery can cope with sub-zero temperatures.
The RAC have said to make sure you have a fully-charged mobile phone and carry a blanket in case of a breakdown to keep warm.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Steve Willington, said: "Yellow National Severe Weather Warnings for ice and snow have been issued for parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and the east coast and South West England. Showers will turn more wintry with an increasing risk of snow as the week progresses, particularly in coastal areas or over higher ground.
"There will be widespread frosts with temperatures falling to as low as -10°C overnight in isolated spots by the end of the week. More severe weather warnings may be needed as we head through the week."
There are some uncertainties around how long this cold spell will last, however, it is expected to stay cold into next week with temperatures remaining well below average for the time of year.
The cold weather will continue through weekend and into next week with sleet, snow and ice still possible, especially along the east coast, while inland it will often be dry with widespread hard frosts and patchy freezing fog.
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