A severe weather warning is in place for parts of the UK, with forecasters warning temperatures are set to tumble over the weekend.
The Met Office yellow warning for Orkney, Shetland, the Highlands and Grampian came into force at 6pm on Thursday.
Several centimetres of snow is likely to settle on higher ground and ice could make driving conditions treacherous.
The RAC motoring organisation said it was expecting more calls, while road gritting and snow clearance teams said they were ready to deal with any disruption the first bout of wintry weather may bring.
Sub-zero temperatures are likely in Scotland and although it will be several degrees warmer elsewhere, sleet could fall in northern England.
The bitter cold snap comes as schools break up for the half-term holiday.
Sky News weather presenter Isobel Lang said: “After the mild but murky weather of recent days, a big change is forecast over the next 24 hours with cold air plunging southwards.
“Motorists across Scotland will have wintry conditions to deal with through tonight and Friday.
“Ice and scattered sleet and snow showers may bring some travel disruption, especially across northeast Scotland.
“Away from northeastern areas, Friday looks cold but on the sunny side. Top temperatures will be nearer 5C to 9C (45F).
“Rather than crisp, frosty, bright weather we are set for cloudier skies and some rain later on Saturday and during Sunday.
“It will still feel rather cold but temperatures are unlikely to be as low.
“As the rain spreads across the northwest on Saturday it may be preceded by some hill snow.
“During Sunday expect temperatures of around 9C with rain at times.”
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