Coastal communities are expected to be hit the hardest during a winter storm expected to arrive tomorrow.
Villages and towns across the north-east coast are braced for the storm dubbed the “Beast from the East”, but the Met Office last night warned that every community would face the freeze.
The last time a large-scale storm hit the country, villages across the region suffered landslips and flooding.
And in Gardenstown, residents are still struggling to come to terms with a landslide which cut off the hillside community from the top of the village.
Yesterday, a spokesman for Aberdeenshire Council said the roads service was prepared to tackle the worst of the weather.
He also advised communities to make sure that grit bins are stocked and, if they are not, to contact the council as soon as possible.
Farmers could also be drafted in to help clear any drifts.
“We treated our primary network last night and again this morning at 5.40am,” he said.
“We will also be on secondary routes as required.
“We have in excess of 14,500 tonnes of salt in stock and a vessel is loading this week with a further 5,000 tonnes to be delivered next week, so we have adequate salt stocks.
“Roads supervisors are making contact with farmers and contractors for potential snow clearing.”
The Met Office said that as much as nine inches of snow could land by the end of Wednesday in Aberdeenshire.
A yellow warning has been issued for today.
A spokesman warned that travel was not advisable and branded the weather to come as “severe”.
“From Wednesday there will be heavy snow showers from Easter Ross into Sutherland in the Highlands,” he added.
“There will also be heavy snow in Moray, but certainly Aberdeenshire will have the heaviest over Wednesday and Thursday.
“There could be between 15 and 25cm (5ins-9ins) of snow which will drift. Coastal communities will have the worst of the snow, and there will be very, very difficult travel conditions.
“There will also be disruption in Aberdeen itself.”
The cold weather will persist through the week.
He added: “It will begin to ease away some time on Thursday, but it will remain cold through the week. Temperatures by day will be around freezing and -5C with penetrating frost at night.
“It will be quite severe.”
Meanwhile, the charity Age Scotland is calling on people to check on their elderly neighbours during the storm.
Adam Stachura, head of policy, added: “Older people can be particularly vulnerable to the effects of cold weather, especially if they have a health condition or live in a hard-to-heat home. They can also be at risk of slips or falls on icy pavements.
“We would urge everyone to take extra care during this cold snap, wrap up warm, and make sure you are keeping your home at a comfortable temperature.
“We’d also encourage people to keep an eye on their older neighbours, friends and relatives and check if they need any extra help.
“Simply offering to do the shopping or popping in for a cup of tea and a chat could be a real lifeline for someone who is unable to leave their home.”
And Chief Superintendent Stewart Carle, head of road policing, said: “With the wintery weather on its way, I would urge drivers across Scotland to start to take extra care on the roads.
“Snow is already falling in some areas, and drivers should make sure they are prepared for their journey with warm clothing, food and drink, sufficient fuel and a charged mobile phone.”
