Thawing snow and ice are causing fresh hazards Scotland is returning to normal as the severe weather eases but there are fresh warnings about the dangers caused by thawing snow and ice.
Some side roads and pavements are said to be “treacherous” as the top layers of thick ice begin to thaw.
Strathclyde Fire and Rescue said it had attended 180 call-outs on Thursday to deal with burst pipes and flooding
The thaw also means that pedestrians run the risk of being hit by icicles and snow falling from buildings.
And emergency services warned that rising temperatures were weakening already dangerous ice cover on frozen lochs and ponds.
In schools, most councils are intending to have all schools open or only have limited closures, although there are still transport issues across the country.
For some pupils it will be their first day back since last week.
Scotland’s roads are largely back to normal after the chaos which began on Monday afternoon.
On some routes, abandoned vehicles are posing a hazard.
In Lanarkshire, police are taking steps to remove vehicles from the M74.
In Edinburgh police will be towing away cars which are blocking main bus routes.
Rail services are still running to a reduced timetable but it is an improving picture.
Fuel supplies in the central belt are still patchy.
Production at the Grangemouth refinery has been increased to cope with an expected upsurge in demand for the weekend.
The Scottish government said filling stations that have experienced shortages – including Harthill on the M8 – will be among the first to get deliveries.
They insisted the current fuel shortages should ease during the day.
Forecasters said Friday would be another milder day but it would start to get cold again on Saturday night.
There is a possibility of more snow towards the end of next week.
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