The Met Office expects many areas to be affected by the snow
The Met Office has issued a new amber warning across northern and central Scotland as communities brace for heavy snowfall.
The forecaster said a spell of heavy snow is expected to move east across central and northern Scotland on Tuesday, January 6 and has issued an amber warning from 11am to 7pm. Snowfall will clear to bring wintry showers on Tuesday night.
The Met Office said this warning has a medium likelihood and a medium impact.
“A further 5-10 cm is expected widely with 15 cm in places, particularly above 200 metres,” the Met Office said.
Regions most affected by the warning includes Central, Tayside & Fife, Grampian and Highlands & Eilean Siar.
The forecaster said it is safer not to drive in these conditions, but if a journey needs to be taken, road users should consider other forms of transport. If one must drive in these conditions, it is safer to drive using dipped headlights, accelerating gently, using low revs and changing to higher gears as quickly as possible.
Starting in second gear can help with wheel slip, while maintaining a safe and steady speed and keeping distance from other vehicles. Road users should use a low gear to go downhill, avoiding braking unless necessary and steer into skids, not taking their hands of the wheel and avoiding slamming on brakes.
The Met Office also said people cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It advised gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
“Stay indoors, wrap up warm and close internal doors to keep the heat in; and, if you need support call the British Red Cross Support Line on 0808 196 3651,” the Met Office said.
Chief forecaster for the Met Office, Neil Armstrong, said previously: “With Arctic air now covering most of the UK very cold weather will continue through the weekend, with minus double figures overnight in places and daytime temperatures struggling to rise above 0°C for some.
“It looks like this cold spell could last well into next week and wintry hazards will continue with more weather warnings likely. It is therefore important people keep up to date with the latest forecast and warnings and plan ahead.”
