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'Avoid rush hour' weather advice from Police Scotland Widespread snow hinders travel across Scotland
(about 2 hours later)
Police Scotland have advised people to avoid the rush hour in areas affected by an upgraded weather warning. Commuters are facing a difficult journey home as heavy snow falls in parts of Scotland.
They said the worst of the weather could last until late evening. A Met Office amber weather warning for snow and ice is in force for many areas until 22:00.
The Met Office upgraded its weather warning to amber for snow and ice, covering much of Scotland. Heavy snow showers are affecting Strathclyde, Central, the Lothians, south west Scotland, Tayside and Fife.
The "be prepared" alert is in place for wide parts of the country, including Strathclyde, Central, the Lothians, south west Scotland, Tayside and Fife from 07:00 until 22:00.
Police Scotland earlier increased its travel warning from stage 2 to stage 3, meaning travellers are likely to experience significant delays.Police Scotland earlier increased its travel warning from stage 2 to stage 3, meaning travellers are likely to experience significant delays.
A number of roads have been blocked by stranded vehicles including jack-knifed HGVs.A number of roads have been blocked by stranded vehicles including jack-knifed HGVs.
At 16:40, Traffic Scotland warned that the northbound carriageway of the M77 motorway was closed at Kingswell near Kilmarnock.At 16:40, Traffic Scotland warned that the northbound carriageway of the M77 motorway was closed at Kingswell near Kilmarnock.
Supt Louise Blakelock said: "As we progress into this afternoon and evening, I would like to remind the public of the ongoing risk of disruption due to the forecast.Supt Louise Blakelock said: "As we progress into this afternoon and evening, I would like to remind the public of the ongoing risk of disruption due to the forecast.
"If you travel on the road network in the warning area, you will be disrupted and you will face significant delays."If you travel on the road network in the warning area, you will be disrupted and you will face significant delays.
"With that in mind I would urge the public to think and plan ahead for their return journey home this afternoon.""With that in mind I would urge the public to think and plan ahead for their return journey home this afternoon."
She added: "Please ensure you are checking the most up to date information from Traffic Scotland and the Met Office."She added: "Please ensure you are checking the most up to date information from Traffic Scotland and the Met Office."
Transport Minister Humza Yousaf has warned people to think carefully before setting off.Transport Minister Humza Yousaf has warned people to think carefully before setting off.
He said: "If you choose to travel, particularly in the evening peak period, you are likely to face significant delays and disruption."He said: "If you choose to travel, particularly in the evening peak period, you are likely to face significant delays and disruption."
A number of schools were closed in South Lanarkshire, the Borders, Dumfries and Galloway, Fife and the Highlands.A number of schools were closed in South Lanarkshire, the Borders, Dumfries and Galloway, Fife and the Highlands.
School transport was also affected in some areas.School transport was also affected in some areas.
South Lanarkshire and North Lanarkshire councils closed all schools at lunchtime. Schools in Clackmannanshire also shut early.South Lanarkshire and North Lanarkshire councils closed all schools at lunchtime. Schools in Clackmannanshire also shut early.
NetworkRail Scotland said it had faced some challenges because of snow. It said teams were working hard to keep tracks free of snow so trains could run.NetworkRail Scotland said it had faced some challenges because of snow. It said teams were working hard to keep tracks free of snow so trains could run.
It said it was preparing to deal with more falls as they arrived in the course of Friday.It said it was preparing to deal with more falls as they arrived in the course of Friday.
ScotRail said it was dealing with weather-related disruption on the West Highland Line at Crianlarich.ScotRail said it was dealing with weather-related disruption on the West Highland Line at Crianlarich.
Most of Scotland is covered by a yellow Met Office warning for ice.Most of Scotland is covered by a yellow Met Office warning for ice.
The Met Office said snow showers will become heavier and more frequent early on Friday and will continue on and off through the day.The Met Office said snow showers will become heavier and more frequent early on Friday and will continue on and off through the day.
Spells of more persistent, heavy snow are likely. There is expected to be a gradual improvement during the late evening.Spells of more persistent, heavy snow are likely. There is expected to be a gradual improvement during the late evening.
A guide to travel warningsA guide to travel warnings
Travel conditions are graded at four levels by police and transport officials depending on the severity of the weather.Travel conditions are graded at four levels by police and transport officials depending on the severity of the weather.
What the weather warning colours meanWhat the weather warning colours mean