The Met Office have upgraded today’s snow warnings from yellow ‘be aware’ status to amber ‘be prepared’ as the snow closes in on large parts of Scotland.
Amber warnings are in place for the Highlands and Islands as well as Grampian and large parts of the central belt.
The yellow “be aware” warning for snow across Scotland was issued from 8am today until midnight and the public was told to prepare for the potential for travel disruption, however, from 5pm snow is said to be more likely across Aberdeenshire, Moray, the Highlands and Islands and that warning has now been upgraded.
The Met Office are warning: “Snow showers will become widespread and heavier across Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England during Wednesday evening and will continue through the night into Thursday morning.
“Snow amounts will be very variable but over 5cm will accumulate at lower levels in places with over 15 cm on high ground. Strong and gusty winds will lead to drifting and blizzard conditions at times, especially over higher routes.
“The public should be prepared for travel disruption and hazardous driving conditions.”
Snow has already fallen across the country with drivers in Moray and the Highlands particularly affected as seen in the pictures and tweets below.
@WindyWilson88 @trafficscotland @KawserQuamer snowy in Carrbridge pic.twitter.com/apygn2sUvn
— Highlandweather (@highlandweather) January 28, 2015
Here's how varied your journey can be on the #A9 North to South today – #snow forecast so #beprepared & #drivesafe pic.twitter.com/5d1ce19cDi
— BEAR NW Trunk Roads (@NWTrunkRoads) January 28, 2015
#A95 at Grantown – #Snow now laying on the route, no other issues in the area so just take extra care & #StaySafe pic.twitter.com/R6TOtdWsmS
— Traffic Scotland (@trafficscotland) January 28, 2015
While Moray and the Highlands have already been hit, the snow is expected to spread throughout the rest of the day, with 5-10cm predicted for some lower levels and more than 15cm possible over higher ground.
More frequent snow showers may affect parts of southern and central Scotland through the evening peak travel period.
The chief forecaster’s assessment said: “Commuters and other travellers seem likely to face a variety of winter hazards, especially later on Wednesday and early on Thursday.”
High wind speed warning
Forecasters have also warned of strong winds which are expected to batter the country throughout the remainder of the day.
Traffic Scotland have warned commuter of high winds on the Dornoch, Kessock and Skye Bridges.
2/2 *Bridge Update* (11:47) High Winds on:#A9 Dornoch#A9 Kessock#A87 Skye#StaySafe #WindyBridges pic.twitter.com/7K5mG6INff
— Traffic Scotland (@trafficscotland) January 28, 2015