More ice and snow for parts of region this morning

Gritters will be out from early this morning protecting higher routes
Gritters will be out from early this morning protecting higher routes

DECEMBER WILL BEGIN for many parts of Moray with freezing conditions and snow, according to forecasters who issued a second alert last night.

From early this morning rain moving from the south is expected to turn to snow by the time it reaches the north east, with the more southerly routes of Moray expected to be affected.

Police were drawing public attention to the warning after a week that started with several Moray routes suffering from the first real wintry conditions after a relatively mild November. The A920 between Dufftown and Huntly was one route badly affect, with police reporting that it had to be closed for periods.

Moray Council had gritters out throughout the region last night with many scheduled on main routes, in particular on higher roads, from 6am this morning.

A Met Office spokesman warned: “Rain may fall onto frozen surfaces for a time overnight and that could result in very icy conditions, while snow accumulations even at lower levels can be expected.”

However, forecasters say that the current conditions will not last long: “Snow will turn to rain again as much milder conditions follow from the southwest by Tuesday afternoon.”