The Met Office have issued an amber alert for snow in Dumfries and Galloway from 9 pm until 5 am tomorrow.
It follows a two day whiteout across the region, with Annandale and Eskdale particularly badly hit and travel chaos on the A74(M) and other roads.
The motorway is open today, after scores of people were trapped overnight in upper Annandale, but drivers are advised to only travel if necessary.
Commenting on the motorway delays, Superintendent Graeme Galloway from Police Scotland said: “Even with a full scale response with snow ploughs and gritters on primary routes throughout the region, the main A74(M) did come to a standstill and many miles of standing traffic were delayed on both the north and southbound carriageways. A number of other primary routes were also blocked by snow. ”
“Moffat Mountain Rescue Team were deployed throughout the night to check on the welfare of those caught up in the standing traffic, however no serious incidents were reported.
“The issue of another amber warning for our area means that once again resources are likely to be at full stretch tonight trying to keep our roads open.”
He advises only essential travel but stressed anyone needing to go out should be prepared, carry an emergency kit and make sure their phones are fully charged.
Supt Galloway added: “The Met Office weather warning system is designed to alert the public to forthcoming weather events and I would ask that the public pay heed to these warnings, so they are not caught out.”
Meanwhile, 26 primary and secondary schools have been closed today due to the conditions.
