The Met Office yesterday issued a severe weather warning for northern and western areas of Scotland forecasting that blizzards, heavy rain and gales could cause widespread disruption to transport networks and power supplies.

The Met Office yesterday issued a severe weather warning for northern and western areas of Scotland tonight and tomorrow forecasting that blizzards, heavy rain and gales could cause widespread disruption to transport networks and power supplies.

The UK's national weather service said heavy snow, along with gale force winds, is likely to cause drifts and advised members of the public to take extra care.

Gusts of 70 to 80mph are forecast for much of northern Scotland overnight tonight with the risk of 90mph winds over exposed areas and the Northern Isles.

Gales and heavy rain were also expected to hit parts of central and southern areas of Scotland last night.

The Met Office said its team of Public Weather Service (PWS) advisers had been put on standby and had already alerted the Scottish Government, emergency services, local authorities, Scottish Water and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.

Pat Boyle, Met Office PWS adviser, based in Edinburgh, said: "Scotland has had some really nasty weather this month, with rainfall well above average.

In Edinburgh alone we've just had what is almost certain to be the wettest January on record, with 178mm of rain up to Wednesday morning with further rain expected, compared with the average of 61mm.

"What we are likely to be seeing over the next day or two is a worsening of conditions, with the real possibility of severe winter weather causing widespread disruption."

"It is important too that the Scottish public plays its part by taking extra care on the roads and keeping an eye out for the elderly."