 Heavy snow has been drifting |
Motorists in many parts of northern Scotland have been urged to avoid driving unless absolutely necessary following heavy snowfalls. Several roads in the north east have been blocked following another night of snow and freezing temperatures.
And a number of routes have been blocked by stranded cars.
More than 250 schools remained closed for a second day across the north east, the Highlands and the Northern Isles, affecting about 30,000 pupils.
About 30 homes were without electricity in Shetland at lunchtime on Thursday and Scottish Hydro-Electric said it has been working to restore supplies.
Many roads have been deemed passable only with extreme care and police have advised drivers not to travel unless absolutely necessary.
Road conditions
Inspector Hamish Sandison of Grampian Police said: "Driving conditions are extremely difficult and treacherous on both rural and urban roads.
"The situation has been exacerbated by drifting snow and is likely to be significantly worse than yesterday morning.
"Our advice to motorists is not to undertake any journey unless it really is necessary to do so."
He advised those choosing to travel to use main routes and allow themselves extra time to complete their journey.
Police warned they expected the adverse road conditions to continue until the weekend.
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