Severe weather warnings for snowfall have been extended to Friday as temperatures are expected to stay freezing after Tuesday’s ten-year low of -16.7C.

Although not as heavy or frequent as experienced over the past few days, further snow showers could bring disruption to travel in places.

Already, bus and rail travel has been disrupted by the weather, with an amber warning in place for much of the central belt.

The Herald:

The heavy snowfall and low temperatures have led to warnings of "tough" driving conditions, with a number of accidents overnight, including on the M8 and M90.

Transport Scotland reported temperatures down to nearly minus 18C at Bannockburn in Stirling, and reiterated that people should not be travelling unless for an essential reason.

Speaking on Good Morning Scotland, Transport Scotland manager Stein Connolly said: “We had 146 gritters out last night.

“All the trunk roads are open, but there are some places where it’s just passable.

READ MORE: Temperatures plunge to minus 16 on coldest night of the year

“There has been a couple of accidents – police are working to get these clear, but it’s maybe better to leave it until a safer point in the day (to travel).”

A statement from the Met Office reads: "Accumulations of 1-3 cm are likely with 5-8 cm possible where more persistent bands of snow develop.

"Icy stretches are possible overnight where surfaces are left wet from the partial melt of lying snow during the daytime."

Regions and local authorities affected:

Central, Tayside & Fife

  • Angus
  • Clackmannanshire
  • Dundee
  • Fife
  • Perth and Kinross

Grampian

  • Aberdeen
  • Aberdeenshire
  • Moray

Highlands & Eilean Siar

  • Highland

Orkney & Shetland

  • Orkney Islands

SW Scotland, Lothian Borders

  • East Lothian
  • Scottish Borders

The Herald: Jess, enjoying the snow in GlasgowJess, enjoying the snow in Glasgow

A simultaneous weather warning for snow is also in place until lasting until the end of Wednesday, where frequent snow showers may lead to travel disruption in places.

Forecasters have warned some roads and railways are likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services. 

Injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces are also possible due to icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths.

The Met Office has said there is a slight chance that some rural communities could become cut off, and power cuts could occur.

The Herald: A thick coat was an advantage for Highland cows in Denny, near Falkirk (Andrew Milligan/PA)A thick coat was an advantage for Highland cows in Denny, near Falkirk (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Regions and local authorities affected:

Central, Tayside & Fife

  • Angus
  • Clackmannanshire
  • Dundee
  • Falkirk
  • Fife
  • Perth and Kinross
  • Stirling

Grampian

  • Aberdeen
  • Aberdeenshire
  • Moray

Highlands & Eilean Siar

  • Highland

Orkney & Shetland

  • Orkney Islands
  • Shetland Islands

SW Scotland, Lothian Borders

  • East Lothian
  • Edinburgh
  • Midlothian Council
  • Scottish Borders
  • West Lothian

Strathclyde

  • Argyll and Bute
  • East Ayrshire
  • East Dunbartonshire
  • East Renfrewshire
  • Glasgow
  • Inverclyde
  • North Lanarkshire
  • Renfrewshire
  • South Lanarkshire
  • West Dunbartonshire

The Herald: gritters

Meanwhile, “Snowcially distanced”, “Han Snow-Lo” and "Oor Chilly" are among the fleet of gritters that were out on Scotland’s snowy roads today.

Approximately 150 vehicles were deployed to keep the roads safe as heavy snow and minus 18C (minus 0.4F) temperatures hit the country.

Some of the newest names include Brinestone Ploughboy, CalvinHarrIce and Grittin On Wae It.

A recent appeal to name the 50-strong fleet of gritters — which cover 400 miles of roads — received more than 1,200 entries.

The appeal, which ran from December 23 to January 15, was moved online due to the pandemic.

While the naming appeal is normally run in connection with local schools, this year it was opened to the wider public.

A number of the vehicles take their names from classic references, including “I want to break freeze” and “You’re a blizzard, Harry”.

Five pay tribute to Scottish James Bond actor, Sir Sean Connery, who died last year, including On Her Majesty’s Slippery Surface, Coldfinger and You only grit ice.

Others are named after celebrities, including Sled Zepplin, Robert Brrrrns and Gritney Spears.

To see the full map of hilariously-named gritters out on the roads near you, visit here.