FREEZING temperatures will grip Moray today, with forecasters predicting treacherous road conditions throughout the region.
The Met Office issued a severe weather warning for the area last night, advising that a sharp drop in temperatures would increase the risk of icy patches.
Gale-force winds are also expected to blow in later in the day.
Meanwhile, a man was taken to hospital after a crash on the A96 between Lhanbryde and Mosstodloch.
The two-vehicle smash, between a van and a 4×4, caused major tailbacks on the busy route.
Weather experts said outbreaks of rain predicted to hit most of Scotland would turn to ice, and snow was expected to fall on higher ground.
Moray will struggle to reach 4C this morning, while Aberdeen and the shire can expect a maximum of 3C. Braemar was due to be one of the coldest places, with temperatures struggling to get above 1C.
Afternoon temperatures will edge up to a maximum of 7C in most areas, although it will be windy.
Moray and north-east coastal areas could also experience high winds in the late afternoon, forecasters said.
Northerly gales will create more problems towards the evening, bringing blizzards on higher ground towards midnight.
The Met Office’s warning said: “The public should be aware of the potential for icy surfaces and some travel disruption.”
Forecaster Stuart Brooks added last night: “The cold spell we are experiencing is a continuation of the Arctic blast that has come in from the North Atlantic.
“Rain falling overnight was falling on to low-temperature ground, which was causing the icy patches.
“Some areas also had sleet, in particular higher areas in Moray and Aberdeenshire, which caused extra water to hit the ground and create thicker surface ice than elsewhere.”
Mr Brooks gave a more optimistic forecast for the remainder of the week. He said: “High pressure will bring better weather from Thursday onwards, through to the weekend.”
He added that there would be less chance of snow or the freezing temperatures experienced so far this week.
Local councils have urged residents to prepare for the icy blasts, while police have issued winter weather advice to drivers. Among essential items they should have in their vehicles are a torch and spare batteries, warm clothes, boots and a blanket, food and a warm drink in a flask, first aid kit, battery jump leads and a map for any unplanned diversions.
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