Peter JollyStorm Chandra is causing travel disruption across Scotland with weather warnings for snow, strong winds and heave rain in place for the southern and central parts of the country.
Ferries and flights have been cancelled and a number of roads shut with significant snow starting to affect routes around the country.
It is the third major storm to hit the UK this month after Goretti and Ingrid, which caused significant damage and disruption.
A yellow wind warning is in place for south-west Scotland until midnight and a another for rain and snow across much of central Scotland.
Three yellow weather warnings currently in place are:
- South-west Scotland and the Lothian Borders, Strathclyde, (rain and snow) from 00:00 to 17:00, where 1-2in (2 to 5cm) of snow could fall widely and as much as 8in (20cm) could accumulate on higher ground;
- South-west Scotland (wind) in force from 05:00 to 23:59;
- Central, Tayside & Fife, Grampian, the Highlands and Eilean Siar and Strathclyde (rain and snow) in place from 06:00 to 23:59.
An additional warning has also been issued for ice affecting many inland parts of the country in southern and central Scotland from midnight to 10:00 on Wednesday.
A Met Office spokesman said: “Clearing skies on Tuesday night will allow temperatures to fall below freezing soon after midnight and on Wednesday morning.
“After the recent wet weather, icy patches are likely to develop on some untreated surfaces.”
Met OfficeMore severe amber warnings are also in place for other parts of the UK.
Ferry crossings between Scotland and Northern Ireland have already affected by the storm.
Police Scotland said Operation Overflow – emergency parking for lorries unable to travel – had been activated after a number of sailings to and from Cairnryan were cancelled because of forecast high winds.
“Those booked onto any of the affected sailings are advised not to travel to the area as long as delays are expected and should instead seek alternative travel options elsewhere,” a police spokesperson advised.
Caledonian MacBrayne has reported disruption on the vast majority of its routes.
Among the routes where services are suspended are between Ardrossan and Brodick, between Troon and Brodick, between Oban and Castlebay, between Mallaig and Canna, and between Uig and Tarbert.
Scottish regional airline Loganair has also cancelled at least 12 flights.
The affected routes are between Manchester and both Newquay and the Isle of Man, between Liverpool John Lennon and the Isle of Man, and between Glasgow and Islay, Campbeltown and Tiree.
On the roads, the A77 is shut in both directions near Cairnryan due to a fallen tree on the carriageway.
The A701 is also shut at St Anns following a two-vehicle crash reported at about 06:20.
