The north-east has been warned to expect wintry conditions today with snow and ice forecast to hit the region.
Snow is expected to move into parts of Aberdeenshire and Moray this afternoon with lower levels areas, including Aberdeen, likely to see the wintry conditions.
A Met Office yellow warning for snow and ice was enforced in the Grampian region at midnight and will remain in place until late morning.
Motorists have been warned to expect delays due to ice and snow with the forecasters warning of “difficult driving conditions” in the area.
Snow accumulations of almost 4in are expected to move into the highest regions of the country today, with snow and sleet showers set to hit parts of western Aberdeenshire in the afternoon and into tomorrow morning.
Met Office meteorologist Stuart Brookes said: “There’s quite a lot of snow showers coming in the Moray area and spreading into the north-east during the afternoon.
“As far as Aberdeen goes we’ll see some rain and some sleet during these showers. Tomorrow evening will bring colder air from the north-west and passing snow showers overnight into Saturday morning.
“Currently there’s a chance of a bit of snow but nothing too much on lower ground. For lying snow the highest chance will be tomorrow night (tonight) and early Saturday.”
Areas of upper Deeside, including Braemar, are most likely to see snow lying.
Mr Brookes added: “Most of the showers will be in the west.”
The first flurry of snow arrived yesterday with a thin layer in villages such as Westhill and Alford.
Drifting snow kept the A939 Cock Bridge to Tomintoul road along with the A93 Braemar to Blairgowrie road at Glenshee closed yesterday.
The B974 Banchory to Fettercairn – or Cairn O’Mount – road also remained closed due to the weather.
Crathie Primary School was closed to pupils while Alford Academy’s Corgarff taxi route didn’t run due to the conditions.
Met Office spokeswoman Nicola Maxey said: “In Grampian you can look at maybe up to 10cm (3.9in) on ground above 300-400m (980ft – 1,310ft) and areas above 150m (490ft) could get 2-5cm (1-2in).”
