WEATHER warnings for snow, ice and heavy rain have been issued for much of Scotland by the Met Office today.

The meteorological service said 10cm to 20cm of snow could fall on higher ground, with 40cm predicted to fall across the Grampian mountain range in the north.

Travel disruptions are expected with the heavy snow and the Met Office says drivers risk becoming stranded and power cuts are likely.

The yellow warning for rain covers most of lower parts of Scotland and is in force until midday on Saturday, meaning localised flooding is likely.

Mark Sidaway, Met Office deputy chief meteorologist, said: “Into the weekend, snow will continue across much of Scotland, and is likely to increasingly fall to low levels before beginning to move south into northern and eastern England.

“We are likely to see some very large accumulations across higher parts of Scotland especially, with strong winds leading to significant drifting and blizzard conditions at times.”

There is an amber warning for heavy snow covering northern Scotland in force from midnight on Thursday until 6pm on Saturday, meaning communities could be cut off for several days.

The Met Office also warned there could be long interruptions to power supplies and services such as gas, water and mobile phone coverage.

The yellow warning for snow and rain also cover parts of northern England and, despite relatively mild temperatures in the south of England with some areas seeing 11C, it will also see winter tighten its grip.

Sidaway said: “Although amounts of snow across England are likely to be less than seen across Scotland, the potential is there for some heavy snow across eastern England later in the weekend, and perhaps elsewhere in southern Britain as we head into next week, with very cold easterly winds.”

READ MORE: Amber weather alerts issued as Scots told to prepare for five days of snow

A yellow weather warning stretching from Norfolk all the way up the east coast of England will come into force at 3pm on Saturday and remain in place until midnight on Monday.

Some 2cm to 4cm of snow could fall in the North East of England, with 6cm to 8cm potentially falling on east-facing slopes.

There are also ongoing flood issues, with the Environment Agency issuing 43 flood warnings in England – meaning immediate action is required – while there were 154 flood alerts as of Wednesday evening.

Natural Resources Wales had four flood alerts, including along the Upper Severn in Powys and for South Pembrokeshire.