COMMUTERS have been warned about the risk of disruption to the transport network today as snow and hail is expected to sweep across Scotland during rush hour.

The Met Office issued a severe weather warning for parts of the central belt and Highlands amid concern that snow will fall on higher ground and sleet will also accumulate.

Forecasters said ice could form on untreated surfaces. Although cities such as Glasgow and Edinburgh are expected to escape the worst of the weather, other areas will be hit by show showers.

The Met Office said: "An active ­frontal trough will move eastwards across Scotland during the early hours of Thursday morning. This will be accompanied by a band of heavy, squally showers.

"As much colder air quickly cuts in behind the front, some snow is likely on high ground, with the risk of ice quickly forming as surfaces cool off following the clearance."

Floods and gale-force winds are expected to return over the weekend, with winds of up to 70mph forecast for Sunday, and a severe weather warning in place for the whole of the UK.