WEST Fifers should take extra care out and about tomorrow (Thursday) as the Met Office has issued an amber snow warning for the region.

Central, Tayside and Fife are expected to be hit with widespread frost, sleet and snow in the early hours of Thursday.

Between 10-15cm of snow is likely to fall on ground above 400m, with 5-10cm at 200m level, and 2-3cm at lower levels.

This will be followed by rain, and icy conditions are likely to develop. There could be possible disruption to travel.

Transport Minister Keith Brown has confirmed that the Multi Agency Response Team (MART) will be operational to monitor the morning rush hour and offer assistance across the network.

Transport Scotland is also chairing a meeting with key responders including ACPOS, the Met Office, operating companies, rail operators and Traffic Scotland this afternoon to receive an update on preparations.

Mr Brown said tomorrow morning "promises to be the biggest challenge of the winter to date".

"We would remind motorists and the travelling public to be aware of the potential dangers of snow and icy conditions. An added risk is that fresh snow could fall on hard-packed ice and already treacherous surfaces, so keep up to date with live travel information and advice for preparing for and driving in testing conditions.

The public should be prepared for the risk of significant disruption to travel, especially over the M8 corridor to the east of Glasgow, across Perthshire and over much of inland eastern Scotland.

"A range of improvements are in place such as sustained high levels of salt in stock, we have more gritters and specialist equipment to deploy if needed, a strengthened network of weather stations and cameras to help inform decision-making, and improved communications via social media and traffic internet radio, as well as a dedicated hotline for HGV drivers.

"The Traffic Scotland Control Centre continues to monitor the travel situation very closely and the website, Variable Message Signs and internet radio will be used to provide up to date information as the situation develops.

"I would urge the public to stay vigilant and tuned to local radio reports and the Traffic Scotland website as circumstances could quickly change."

Speaking on behalf of ACPOS, Deputy Chief Constable Tom Ewing said, "We have been given a clear indication that a band of sleet and snow will come in from the west to much of Central Scotland from the early hours of Thursday.

"The public should be prepared for the risk of significant disruption to travel especially over the M8 corridor to the east of Glasgow, across Perthshire and over much of inland eastern Scotland.

"Anyone who is travelling in these areas should be prepared for possible delays and make sure their vehicle is properly prepared.

"The snow will follow a prolonged period of low temperatures and all road users should take care and look out for ice and untreated surfaces. We will continue to work with our partners to ensure the safety of travellers and keep the transport network moving as smoothly as possible."

Full alerts are available online at www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings. For real time journey information log on to www.trafficscotland.org , follow @trafficscotland on Twitter, or call 0800 028 14 14.