Warning to drivers amid snow and ice alerts across Scotland

Drivers in northern and eastern Scotland have been warned to take care after plummeting temperatures saw parts of the country hit with snow and ice overnight.

Yellow weather warnings were issued by the Met Office covering northern and eastern parts of Scotland.

As much as 5cm of snow was forecast to fall on higher ground over Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

People using roads in affected parts of the country have been warned to take care with driving conditions made difficult by ice and snow.

The snowy scenes have returned in Braemar at long last @philippetrieTV @SeanBattyTV @stvweatherwatch @RoostWeather @metoffice pic.twitter.com/QHjvhdIsML
— Braemar, Ballater and Deeside Weather Page (@Alonso2012F) November 29, 2023

“Scotland is about to be plunged into a lengthy cold spell and I reckon some spots could be looking at their coldest November and early December nights for several years”, said STV meteorologist Sean Batty.

“Temperatures could get fairly close to the record November lows of -7C in Renfrewshire and -8C in Ayrshire, both recorded in 2010.

“Sleet and snow showers will fall in the north and east from Wednesday and continue on and off into the weekend.”

The first alert came into force at 5pm on Tuesday and is in force until 11am on Wednesday.

⚠️ Yellow weather warning issued ⚠️

Snow and ice across parts of Scotland and northeast England
Tuesday 1700 – Wednesday 1100

Latest info 👉 https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs
Stay #WeatherAware⚠️ pic.twitter.com/5HcTlMeHGC
— Met Office (@metoffice) November 28, 2023

It affects parts of Angus, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, the Western Isles, Highland, Orkney, Shetland, East Lothian and the Borders.

A further warning begins at 5pm on Wednesday and lasts until 11am on Thursday covering northern and eastern coastal areas.

It includes parts of Angus, Dundee, Fife, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Highland, East Lothian, Edinburgh, Midlothian and the Borders.

Wintry showers will lead to ice forming on untreated surfaces during Tuesday evening and overnight into Wednesday morning, the Met Office said.

Snow will build up, especially away from the coasts, with 1cm to 3cm possible. But higher routes in the northeast could see up to 5cm of accumulate.

That's the first snow of winter forecast! pic.twitter.com/OAjNn6LujZ
— ScotRail (@ScotRail) November 28, 2023

The Met Office warned there could be injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces and ice patches on untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths will make travelling conditions difficult.