Arctic winds and snow on their way
● Severe weather warnings issued for snow and ice, followed by gales
Scotland is set to be battered by Arctic blasts over the next 72 hours, with blizzards and freezing winds tipped to cause travel chaos and power cuts.
Overnight temperatures are forecast to plummet as low as -5C, with as much as 20cm of snow possible on high ground.
Snow showers will be heaviest in western Scotland and there could be hail and lightning. Gale force winds will reach speeds of up to 80mph.
Scots are being warned to brace themselves for snow, ice, strong winds and freezing temperatures as the country is hit by Arctic blasts over the next few days.
Widespread snow showers, ice and blustery conditions are expected across Scotland, which could cause power cuts and travel disruption in the worst hit areas.
The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for snow and ice in most parts of the country until tomorrow, with gale force winds expected to follow in some places.
Overnight temperatures could dip as low as -5C in the next day or two, with as much as 20cm of snow possible on high ground and up to 8cm lying elsewhere.
Meteorologists said the snow showers will be heaviest and most frequent across western Scotland and could be accompanied by hail and lightning at times.
Strong winds could see blizzardconditions and drifting of lying snow, but this is expected mainly over hilly areas.
Fierce winds reaching up to 80mph and heavy rain are due to blow in tomorrow evening and last until Thursday morning, mainly affecting the southern part of Scotland.
Gusts of up to 70mph are expected widely across the region, sparking a brief thaw.
There is still some uncertainty over the extent of the stormy weather, but western coasts and upland regions are expected to see the most severe conditions.
The warnings, which also cover Northern Ireland and the far north of England, are in place until Thursday, though the sub-zero temperatures could continue into the weekend.
The chilly period is down to an area of polar maritime air coming in, according to forecasters.
Met Office spokesman Oli Claydon said: “In the first instance we’ve got a snow and ice warning so people should be careful and take the usual winter precautions, especially if travelling. Delays should be expected in some places.
“The snow will be falling in showers so it could be clear in one place but snowing a few miles away. These will be moving fairly quickly because of strong winds, but in places where there is shower after shower we could see snow building up.
“The nature of showers makes it tricky to predict exactly where they will occur and whether they will fall as rain or snow.
“Widespread freezing conditions are expected, even in places like Stornoway and Lerwick which usually stay a touch milder.
“The whole of the UK is going to be in a very showery regime in a convective set-up so there are chances of hail mixed in there as well.
“As we get closer to Wednesday and through the week people should keep an eye on forecasts and be aware of the disruptions strong winds can cause. We’re looking at potential problems for transport, power supplies and mobile phone communications .”