Page last updated at 08:29 GMT, Tuesday, 30 March 2010 09:29 UK

Snow strands lorries on motorway

Drver with car in snow
Motorists in the Denny area were forced to dig their cars out from snow

Ten lorries were stranded for several hours as snow, rain and strong winds made driving conditions difficult across many parts of Scotland.

The lorries were travelling south on the M90, close to Bridge of Earn in Perthshire, when they became stuck in about 7.5cm (3in) of snow.

Snow ploughs and gritters were called to the scene at 0245 BST, and traffic was moving again within a few hours.

The road is now said to be passable with care.

The north of Scotland has been worst affected, with temperatures plunging to -5C at Cairnwell, near Braemar, overnight.

The Met Office warned that many areas of the country were likely to see heavy snowfalls early on Tuesday morning.

This would cause accumulations of 10cm (4in) or more on higher ground, with strong winds causing snow to drift on exposed high level roads.

Heavy rain has also been falling over lower ground, bringing the possibility of localised flooding.

Extra care

Lanes have been restricted at the Skye and Erskine bridges because of high winds, while the Tay bridge is only open to cars.

Grampian Police said there was heavy surface water in Aberdeen city centre, and snow was causing problems further inland, especially on higher routes.

The A96, the A90 north of Ellon, the A93 between Ballater and Braemar and also between Aboyne and Ballater, and the A939 road to the Lecht ski centre were all said to be passable only with care.

Heavy snow was affecting the A9 around Dunblane, Blackford and Auchterarder in Perthshire, and in Ayrshire parts of the M77 were affected by slush and snow, especially on higher ground, as were parts of the A71.

Poor conditions were also reported on the M80 at Bankhead.

Some drivers were forced to dig their cars out from a foot of snow close to Denny in Stirlingshire.

Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders, which had been forecast to be badly hit, appeared to escape the worst of the weather.

However, flood watches were in place on most rivers in the regions as heavy rain continued to fall.

Forecasters have warned the cold snap is set to continue for the next two days, but temperatures will rise slightly by Thursday, when snow will retreat to higher ground.

Motorists have been urged to take extra care, and to refer to the Traffic Scotland website before setting off.




SEE ALSO
Areas braced for springtime snow
29 Mar 10 |  South of Scotland
Flood watch after weather warning
26 Mar 10 |  South of Scotland

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