Further travel disruption is expected across Cumnock, Doon Valley and Upper Nithsdale after the Met Office issued a third amber be prepared warning in four days.

The warning is in place for large parts of the south west of Scotland and the Central Belt - including Cumnock, Doon Valley and Upper Nithsdale - from 7am until 10pm tonight (Friday).

Frequent and heavy snow showers are expected across the region today and, with the worst of the weather is expected to hit from around 3pm, drivers are being warned not to travel and leave early if possible.

Superintendent Louise Blakelock, of Police Scotland's Road Policing said: "As we progress into this afternoon and evening, I would like to remind the public of the ongoing risk of disruption due to the forecast.

"If you travel on the road network in the warning area, you will be disrupted and you will face significant delays. With that in mind I would urge the public to think and plan ahead for their return journey home this afternoon.

"If you are able to, please make your homeward journey earlier. If you are an employer, please think carefully about allowing your staff to return home early if possible.

"I would like to make it clear that there is a high risk of disruption for road journeys and with that comes a high likelihood of the conditions being very poor, therefore I would ask people whether their journey is really necessary?

"Please ensure you are checking the most up to date information from Traffic Scotland and the Met Office."

There are already delays on the A76 as a lorry ended up on it's side between Mauchline and Crosshands. Emergency services are in attendance and the road has been closed in both directions.

Craigmark Burtonians tweeted pictures of a snow-covered Station Park ahead of tomorrow's match against Ardeer Thistle.

Cumnock Chronicle:

Cumnock have already announced that their Junior Cup clash with Auchinleck Talbot will be postoponed until next Saturday and Muirkirk were not confident that their match against Luger Boswell Thistle woud go ahead either.

East Ayrshire Council have confirmed that all schools in the area will close early today as a precaution. Transport is being arranged for pupils who need it and the council aim to have all pupils home by 3pm.

Kelloholm and Sanquhar Primaries and Sanquhar Academy have already closed as a result of the weather warning.