Warning of travel chaos as cold snap takes hold
IT may look like a delicate creation crafted from fine crystal.
But the picture above is actually an ‘ice bowl’ that formed in a bucket of water left out in a Nairn garden as temperatures plummeted.
The severe cold caused problems for travellers across the country.
In Aberdeenshire, several vehicles skidded off the A96 between Blackburn and Inverurie during morning rush hour yesterday, while a car burst into flames after hitting a wall in Oyne. The driver reportedly escaped with only minor injuries.
In the Central Belt, snow flurries in the afternoon caused traffic to slow on the M8 as police urged drivers to heed weather warnings.
Forecasters yesterday said snow and sleet carried on bitter Arctic winds are set to deliver a wild weekend of weather across Scotland.
Last night was set to be the coldest of the winter, with a bone-chilling -12c (10f) predicted in parts of the North-West.
However, all areas could see frequent snow showers today and tomorrow. The Met Office said up to four inches could fall on high-level routes.
Areas covered by yellow Met Office ‘be aware’ warnings include Dumfries and Galloway, East Lothian, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scottish Borders and West Lothian.
Nicky Maxey of the Met Office said: ‘It is going to be a cold, raw weekend for many in Scotland. Snow will become more widespread through the weekend, affecting many areas not covered by our warnings.
‘Although day-time temperatures will remain above freezing, the effects of wind-chill will create very bitter conditions indeed. People need to consider the hazards presented by untreated roads and pavements.’
However, the cold snap will be shortlived as milder temperatures are expected next week.