Drivers warned over snowfall chaos

SWATHES of Scotland have been warned to prepare for the first significant snowfall of the winter, with up to eight inches expected in coming days.

The Met Office has issued a yellow ‘be aware’ alert for areas including Central, Tayside, Fife, Angus, Grampian, Perth and Kinross, Stirling, the Highlands and Islands and Argyll.

Low-lying areas in the Central Belt can expect up to two inches of snow tomorrow, sparking fears of traffic chaos. Up to eight inches may fall on higher ground further north.

Emma Sharples, of the Met Office, said: ‘For many people, this will be the first widespread fall of snow this season. These will not just be showers. There is a full frontal band crossing the country, so falls will be significant.

‘We are still a day or more away from the affected period but we felt it necessary to put the warnings out as early as possible.’

The snow warning applies from 3am tomorrow until 1pm, meaning the morning rush hour will be hit.

Meanwhile, a yellow warning for rain has also been issued, from 8am today until 4am tomorrow, covering South West Scotland, Lothian and Borders.

Miss Sharples added that snow ‘over large areas north of the Central Belt’ tomorrow morning could bring transport disruption. She added: ‘It is difficult to pinpoint exactly where the heaviest falls will be.’

An early avalanche warning has also been issued to climbers. The Scottish Avalanche Information Service said parts of the north-west Highlands were at risk, with ‘unstable’ deposits in sheltered areas above 800m (2,624ft).