MOTORISTS are being urged to take extra care on the roads today after severe weather warnings for snow and ice were put in place overnight.
Forecasters issued a yellow "Be Aware" warning for the whole of Scotland, with the exception of the Western Isles, for late last night until noon today.
Heavy snow was expected in the northwest of the country last night, before reaching the central belt and the east by this morning.
The cold snap was expected to create icy conditions across the country today, especially in areas with lying snow, and Transport Scotland said it was closely monitoring the situation.
A spokesman said: "As ever, the public have a vital role to play in terms of helping to minimise disruption.
"We would advise people to prepare for some travel disruption as bridges could be affected by high winds and driving conditions could be challenging in some areas, so please allow extra time for your journeys.
"They should also check the relevant websites, such as Traffic Scotland, for up-to-date travel information before they set off."
The Met Office said the weather was likely to clear up by this afternoon and turn to bright sunshine over the next few days. However, it will remain cold with temperatures failing to get above freezing.
Forecaster Ken McEwan said it would turn milder later next week in time for Hogmanay.
Mr McEwan said: "By the end of the Saturday afternoon, most places will dry up, certainly becoming brighter, but the far north will see a few more showers.
"Most places will see another dry day on Sunday, but it will be a cold night with temperatures dropping to -4 or -5."
He added that Monday morning will be a frosty start for Scotland, but things will begin to get milder by Tuesday, although the wind will begin to pick up.
It will be "much milder" by New Year's Eve, he said, but winds will again be high.
Meanwhile, the rest of the UK is likely to be facing much colder conditions, with forecasters predicting it could drop to -10 in some areas.
A large swathe of central Britain was facing an amber "Be Prepared" warning last night and the Met Office said there was a 90 per cent of severe cold, ice and snow in parts of England in the lead up to the December 31.
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