The Met Office said strong winds could lead to blizzard-like conditions, particularly over higher areas in the north, with the public told to prepare for possible disruption to travel.
Amber "be prepared" alerts were issued for parts of the Highlands, Grampian, Strathclyde, Central, Tayside, Fife, south-west Scotland and Lothian and Borders into the early hours of Saturday.
Up to 3in of snow is likely to fall, with a low risk of more than 4in locally – even on lower ground. Further north, up to 8in could fall on higher ground.
Transport minister Keith Brown said the weather could result in a "testing" journey for some people but said the Multi-Agency Response Team will monitor conditions and provide help across the network.
The same warning will also extend into northern England and the Midlands, meaning cross-border road, rail and air links could be hit.
A number of schools were closed or shut early yesterday in Dumfries and Galloway, Angus, Perth and Kinross, Aberdeenshire and Tayside.
Meanwhile, blizzards have created the perfect conditions for the Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain's sled dog race at Aviemore.
More than 200 husky teams have joined skiers and sledgers in the Cairngorms, where they will put the dogs through their paces today and tomorrow.
