Blizzards prompted the Met Office to issue a yellow weather warning for the area as roads and ferries were hit, while schools in some badly affected regions were closed.

Forecasters are warning the wintry weather is here to stay for a few days, with more than 4in of snow expected in some areas.

And fans travelling to tonight's Scotland v Wales match at Hampden were urged to make sure they left in plenty time for the 8pm kick-off to allow for possible travel delays.

Roads were closed today in Ayrshire and Argyll, while driving conditions in Glasgow, as well as surrounding towns and villages, were hazardous after snow fell on icy roads.

Elsewhere in the west, ferries between Gourock and Dunoon were suspended because of the conditions.

The A760 in Ayrshire was closed between Largs and Kilbirnie because of drifting snow and diversions had to be put in place.

The A83 in Argyll and Bute was shut between Campbeltown and Tarbert.

Accidents were reported around the country and a school bus came off the road between Killearn and Balfron, Stirlingshire. Nobody was injured.

Gritters were out last night in Glasgow and again in the early hours of this morning to minimise disruption.

A City Council spokesman said: "In keeping with the winter maintenance plan, priority one road gritting was carried out at 8pm last night and again at 1am today. City centre roads and footpaths were also gritted. Secondary roads were also treated at 7.30am.

"A total of 53% of the city's roads – 568 miles – are classed as priority routes and it is important we prioritise the city's main roads and bus routes."

A Transport Scotland spokesman urged people to check updates before travelling and prepare for disruption.

He said: "We are doing all we can to minimise travel related disruption and ask drivers and commuters to play their part by planning journeys in advance using all the available traffic and travel information.

"More than 130 gritters have been in operation throughout the night and will continue through the weekend.

"The Traffic Scotland website and Twitter, Variable Message Signs and internet radio are being used to provide up to date travel information."

Other parts of Scotland were also affected by heavy snowfalls.

More than 100 schools in Dumfries and Galloway and five in Aberdeenshire were closed, while Perthshire and Angus were also hit by heavy snowfalls.

Laura Caldwell, forecaster with Meteogroup, said: "The snow, wind and cold weather is here for the weekend.

"Glasgow and the surrounding area should expect 2-4in of snow in the next 24-48 hours, but there may be more in some areas.

"There will continue to be gusts of 50-60mph so it is going to feel bitter."

Temperatures will struggle to get above 3°C during the day and are likely to drop to -4°C in Glasgow overnight.

rachel.loxton@ heraldandtimes.co.uk