Snowstorms and gales caused havoc in the Highlands yesterday.
Disruption was widespread as blizzards led to hazardous driving conditions and dozens of school closures.
And the Met Office warned that roads were likely to become icy last night as temperatures fell as low as -8C.
A spokeswoman said the snow showers will continue throughout today, slowly turning to rain tomorrow as temperatures begin to rise.
Yesterday, drivers faced major delays on the A9 with the snow gates at Drumoch-ter closed for several hours. Motorists were forced to divert through Nairn to reach Inverness.
The road was also blocked after two lorries became stuck in the snow.
A driver had a lucky escape after his car went off the A830 Fort William-Mallaig road at Glenfinnan.
Minutes later, the vehicle fell into Loch Shiel.
The mountain pass to Applecross in Ross-shire was also closed.
Snow blocked the Findhorn Bridge near Tomatin.
Ferry and air passengers also faced disruptions with many services cancelled or delayed. Ferry operators Caledonian MacBrayne had to cancel two services with a further 12 routes hit by delays. A spokesman for Highlands and Islands Airports confirmed last night that flights from Kirkwall and Stornoway had all been affected by the weather.
Last night, Inverness Airport was temporarily closed while the runway was de-iced.
Skiers and schoolchildren were the only people to benefit from the atrocious weather, with dozens of pupils enjoying a day off from classes.
A spokesman for the Cairngorm Ski Resort said the conditions for skiers were looking very promising and they were preparing themselves for a busy weekend. Other sports, including football, may not fair so well with pitch inspections due this morning at many grounds.
