POLICE and weather forecasters have urged commuters to take care and plan ahead as a band of snow and ice is expected to hit Inverclyde and the rest of the country.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning covering a large stretch of the country between 1am and noon on Tuesday.

Regions affected are Inverclyde, Tayside, Fife, Highlands and islands, Lothian, Borders and the rest of the central belt.

Up to 10cm (4in) of snow on high ground has been forecast.

Meanwhile up to 2cm (1in) of snow is expected to lie in lower areas.

Forecasters say some roads and railways are likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and rail services.

Police Scotland has issued travel advice as rain overnight will give way to potentially heavy widespread snow.

Insp David Hynd said: "Warnings from the Met Office indicate that showers will turn increasingly to snow on higher ground then to lower levels later tonight and on Tuesday morning.

"Drivers should therefore exercise extra caution while this is in force.

"If you are travelling you should ensure you and your vehicle are adequately prepared for the conditions making sure you have sufficient fuel and supplies such as warm clothing, food and water in the event you are delayed for several hours.

Advice on the Met Office website reads: "Showers will turn increasingly to snow on higher ground then to lower levels later in the night and on Tuesday morning.

"Five to 10cm of fresh snow is expected above about 200m with a cover of 1 to 2cm at lower levels."