Ayrshire is set to be hit by a cold spell with freezing rain and up to 5cm of snow falling on Tuesday morning, February 18.
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for snow and ice covering parts of Central and Southern Scotland.
Running from 3am until 12pm tomorrow, residents are being warned to expect travel delays and to be careful of icy conditions – even on treated roads.
Costal areas, Arran and Cumbrae are expected to avoid the worst of the weather but areas including the Garnock Valley, Kilmarnock, Stewarton, the Irvine Valley, Cumnock, Doon Valley and inland areas of Carrick are included in the warning area.
Snow showers are expected overnight with 1cm of snow possible throughout the warning area and potentially up to 5cm on areas above 200m while freezing rain is expected to make driving conditions difficult.
According to the Met Office’s Impact Matrix Guide, the warning has a medium likelihood and a low impact.
As part of their warning, the Met Office said: “Snow flurries will probably turn heavier for a time during Tuesday morning, leading to a covering of snow in some places. Most likely in the 0-1cm range in lowland areas, whilst 1-5cm is possible in places above 200m.
“In addition, freezing rain, especially in the southern part of the region, is likely to cause icy surfaces in a few places and could make for difficult driving conditions, even on treated roads.
“Freezing rain and snow is expected to ease by Tuesday afternoon, with conditions improving.
“Snowy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous. Keep yourself and others safe by planning your route, giving yourself extra time for your journey. Check for road closures or delays to public transport and amend plans if necessary.
“If driving, make sure you have some essentials in your car in the event of any delays (e.g., warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, ice scraper/de icer, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and an in-car phone charger).
“Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.
“Keep yourself and your family safe when it is icy. Plan to leave the house at least five minutes earlier than normal. Not needing to rush, reduces your risk of accidents, slips, and falls.
“If you need to make a journey on foot, try to use pavements along main roads which are likely to be less slippery. Similarly, if cycling, try and stick to main roads which are more likely to have been treated.”
Full details of the warning as well as tips to stay safe in snowy and icy conditions are available on the Met Office website.
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