Motorists have been urged to take care on the roads today as overnight snow continues to settle.
Met Office yesterday issued an amber warning for snow in the west of Scotland and parts of Aberdeenshire as temperatures suddenly dropped.
Several schools have been closed across the Highlands this morning although those based in Aberdeenshire and Moray seem to have got off lightly.
The weather brought isolated power cuts to communities in the north of the country last night and a number of roads were hit by accidents, with the southbound lane of the A9 closed for a period near Dalwhinnie because of a jack-knifed lorry.
It is thought major routes will suffer from serious congestion this morning as conditions persist, with snow already lying on several main carriageways.
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Forecasters said more than 5cm (2in) could accumulate at lower levels by this morning, with more than 6in (15cm) on high ground and the amber warning covers most regions apart from Orkney and Shetland, where a yellow warning for snow is in place.
BEAR Scotland said it was currently treating routes as necessary to help manage the adverse conditions.
Eddie Ross, north west representative, said: ‘’The North West, parts of the North East, have experienced heavy snow showers throughout the night, at all levels on most routes.
“Our winter teams have been working throughout the night and all routes in the North West and North East are open, although conditions remain very challenging.
“We encourage motorists to prepare well for their journeys and drive with care whilst these winter conditions continue.’’
Elsewhere, Charlotte Street and Uphill Lane in Peterhead are still closed following a fire in a fish factory.
The usual congestion can be expected at Holburn Junction, Haudagain Roundabout and the Beach Boulevard in Aberdeen and long term roadworks are also in place at Machar Drive.