The Scottish Government has warned that the country is on the cusp of the worst storm since records began.
Transport Minister Humza Yousaf yesterday warned people not to drive and said that the Met Office had advised him the country was on the brink of a dangerous and deadly cold snap.
He said there was a “possibility” that the amber weather warning across Scotland could even be raised to red.
“That is a warning for snow that we have never seen since the modern system has come into place in Scotland, that’s what the Met Office tell me,” he added.
“We are right on the cusp, we are at the strongest possible amber warning, and right on the cusp of potentially becoming a red. That means a high likelihood of a high impact so that could be not just treacherous but frankly dangerous if you travel.”
A Met Office red warning would mean that damage, travel and power disruption, and risk to life are likely.
Last night, a spokesman for the Met Office said nowhere in Scotland would escape snow showers.
“Heavy snow showers are likely over Easter Ross, some parts of Sutherland and Caithness,” he said.
“They all have amber warnings and snow will be drifting about as well.
“Inverness is a bit more sheltered but will still have some showers – although not nearly as much as the east coast. Across the north-east – from Buckie – we will have frequent and heavy snow showers throughout Wednesday.
“The worst will fall across eastern Aberdeenshire and along the coast and by the end of the day there could well be 10cm (4in) on the ground and up to 20cm (8in) on high ground.
“There will also be a strong easterly wind, making it feel bitterly cold, with temperatures barely getting above freezing.”
So far, the worst of the conditions has been south of the Border where four people have already died in weather-related car crashes.
Three were killed in a crash in Lincolnshire and another man died after a collision in Cambridgeshire on Tuesday morning.
Police yesterday urged people to stay indoors.
Chief Superintendent Stewart Carle, head of the force’s road policing unit, said: “We will continue to work very closely with the Met Office and our many partners in preparation for the severe weather conditions as forecasted snow storms spread from the east across a wide area of mainland Scotland.
“We would urge people who live or intend to visit the regions within the amber warning area to avoid travelling on the roads unless absolutely necessary.
“If you do choose to travel in the amber warning area, you are likely to face a high level of disruption on the roads networks with significant delays or even be stranded on the higher and more exposed routes.”