Wintry blast brings icy showers

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Much of Scotland experienced icy conditions overnight, as snow and sleet fell in central and western parts.

Temperatures hovered around freezing in the Highlands and motorists were warned of icy stretches on roads, with some routes closed altogether.

Two early morning crashes on the M8 and the M74 caused tailbacks for commuters.

About 5cm of snow was recorded in Dalmally, Argyll and Bute, with an estimated 10-12cm thought to have fallen in higher areas.

Forecasters said the icy showers were the result of an area of rain moving northwards from Northern Ireland and turning to snow as it hit Scotland.

BBC Scotland weather forecaster Gail McGrane said: "Sleet and snow will clear, leaving perhaps a few wintry showers for the far north and western fringes, but for most it will be a fine sunny afternoon.

"It's not the end of the wintry conditions though, tonight there will be a widespread frost with temperatures dropping to -4C, and there's a risk of some ice on the coastal fringes and in the north-west of the country.

"On Thursday there will be some snow, chiefly on the hills and high-level routes."

Ski resorts

Traffic Scotland issued warnings on routes in Strathclyde, Grampian, the Highlands and Tayside.

Northern Constabulary said the A82 was closed at Glencoe and the A9 was badly affected by slush. high wind warning has been issued for the Kessock Bridge.A woman had to be rescued from her car after it crashed into a tree at the side of the M8, near junction 26.

She was taken to Glasgow's Southern General Hospital following the crash at 0415 GMT.

A male driver also escaped from his van when it crashed on the M74 at around 0430 GMT, Strathclyde Fire and Rescue said.

Forecasters said Britain has had its coldest winter for 13 years, with an average temperature of 2.9C in the past three months.