Up to 20cm of snow will blanket parts of Scotland from Tuesday evening as the Met Office issues a yellow weather warning covering large swathes of the country. The warning takes effect at 6pm Tuesday and runs until midday Wednesday, with travel chaos and power cuts expected across affected areas.
The central belt, Highlands, Grampian, and parts of Tayside and Fife face the heaviest snowfall. Whilst lower areas may see just a few centimetres, ground above 200-300 metres could be hit with 10-20cm of snow. Moderate winds combined with falling snow will reduce visibility and cause drifting in exposed locations.
Bus and train services face likely delays or cancellations as the weather system moves through. Driving conditions will turn hazardous on untreated roads and higher routes, where slush, ice and deep snow pose serious dangers. The Met Office urges motorists to check forecasts before travelling and allow extra journey time.
Rural and isolated communities risk power cuts as snow's weight or strong winds could damage power lines. Some remote homes and businesses may find themselves temporarily cut off. Residents should prepare for disruptions by stocking adequate supplies and monitoring local authority guidance.
The rest of the UK escapes the worst conditions. England, Wales and Northern Ireland face no similar snow warnings, though scattered wintry showers may hit northern England and higher Welsh areas. Temperatures will stay cool at 0-5°C in warning zones, with milder conditions further south.