Snow and ice to hit as storm rushes in at 70mph

SCOTLAND is facing icy conditions, high winds and snow as Storm Ewan is set to batter the country – after a weekend of torrential downpours.

The Met Office issued another severe weather warning for much of Scotland running to 9am today just days after Storm Doris wreaked havoc.

There are yellow warnings of ice on roads and pavements in place. Ahead of the first day of meteorological spring on Wednesday, temperatures are expected to drop as low as half the usual average for the time of year.

Up to 2cm of snow is expected to fall on higher ground in west Scotland.

The forecasters also warned of gusts of up to 70mph, which together with heavy rain could cause disruption to transport.

Marco Petagna, of the Met Office, said: “It’s going to be a much colder feel across the UK.

“Parts of the country could see hail and snow, especially in the north. Scotland, Northern Ireland and hilltops are the most likely to be affected.

“The first half of the week is going to be quite chilly, with daytime temperatures as low as five degrees, which is below the average of seven to nine degrees at this time of year.

“Night-time temperatures are going to drop to just below freezing.

“The tail end of Storm Ewan from Ireland will be bringing wet and windy weather to parts of Scotland, and it’s generally going to turn colder and more showery across the country.”

A series of flood alerts and warnings were also issued on Sunday by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, following spells of heavy rain and further snowmelt.