Police in Shetland warned people to travel with care and look out for each other after a Met Office weather warning for snow in the islands.
An amber “be prepared” warning for snow was issued from 5pm last night until 6am this morning, with 4ins of snow forecast overnight and up to 6ins expected on ground above 328ft.
A yellow “be aware” warning for ice was also issued for most of the Highlands, Western Isles and Argyll, and will stay in place until 11am this morning.
Yesterday police in Shetland issued a warning through social media of a number of reports of black ice on the roads, after it emerged that at least five cars slid off the road in icy conditions since Tuesday.
A Shetland Council spokeswoman said that the island’s partner agencies – police, ambulance service, coastguard and the health board – met up yesterday morning to plan for “all eventualities” overnight.
The Met Office also warned of likely disruption to travel and power supplies in the islands.
Power provider SSE said it was “business as usual” in Shetland but confirmed they would be closely monitoring the weather overnight.
While the snow is forecast to die out this morning, road journeys are likely to be affected and more scattered snow showers are expected through the day.
Shetland’s chief police inspector Lindsay Tulloch said: “Obviously in the next 24 hours the forecast is for a quite significant snowfall in Shetland, so I would ask people, if there is quite a bit of snow, to ensure they’ve got provisions in their houses.
“If you’re aware of elderly neighbours or family and friends who are living on their own, maybe check on them and make sure they’re okay.
“But if there’s snow on the roads, only travel if you have to, and make sure you’re travelling with your lights on in reduced visibility, and make sure your tyres are good.”
Transport Minister Derek Mackay also issued a warning yesterday of likely travel disruption at rush hour times in the evening and this morning.
Yesterday morning a main road in Argyll was closed for around an hour as a lorry which slid into the verge in the icy conditions was recovered.
The incident happened between Connel and Taynuilt on the A85 Oban to Perth road at Achnacloich Bridge.
The road was closed at around 11am for recovery of the HGV, and no one was hurt as a result of the incident.
Bear Scotland’s fleet of 180 gritters and patrols – carrying 52,000 tonnes of salt – were also deployed yesterday to deal with any problems on the trunks roads in the North East and North West.