UPDATED warnings have been issued for train and bus services in Scotland as the "Beast from the East" red-alert snowstorm continues to hit hard in Glasgow.

ScotRail has urged commuters in the red warning area to head home now.

The train operator tweeted: "As a result of the Met Office warning, services in the red area will begin to wind down this afternoon in the best interests of our customers and staff. Safety is central to this decision.

"In areas where the red weather warning applies, customers should head for home now. There will be no train services in the red weather warning area tonight, or first thing tomorrow morning."

First Glasgow has announced it suspended bus services throughout from 3pm after heavy snow hit the city.

The operator tweeted: "Due to the adverse weather across the Greater Glasgow area, all First Buses will stop over the next hour.

"This decision has been made for the safety of our staff and customers."

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has cancelled non-essential surgery due to safety fears brought on by heavy snow.

The health board also said outpatient appointments will be postponed, however emergency and crucial operations will go ahead as planned.

Stagecoach has cancelled all of its bus services throughout Fife on Wednesday due to safety fears brought on by heavy snow.

The operator tweeted: "In consultation with Police Scotland and Transport Scotland, all services in the Fife area will be withdrawn for the remainder of the day."

A number of Scottish Parliament committee meetings have been cancelled due to the severe snow.

Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments as well as Public Petitions committees have been cancelled.

Other meetings will go ahead as planned.

Glasgow City Council has closed all schools and nurseries for the day due to the weather, while West Lothian Council has closed all schools.

Renfrewshire Council said that all its schools and nurseries would be shut due to the severe weather overnight.

In Aberdeenshire more than 120 schools are shut.

Virgin Trains said the route between Carlisle and Scotland is closed with no trains or replacement buses running, because of the weather.

Alternative rail routes between England and Scotland are also "severely disrupted".

A spokesman said: "We will let customers know if Network Rail can reopen the route, but customers should assume there will be severe disruption for the rest of today.

"Customers who wish to postpone their journeys and travel tomorrow can do so - tickets will be valid. Alternatively, if customers would prefer to cancel their journey, refunds will be given without any fee being charged."

Glasgow Airport said in a tweet: "Due to the continued and extreme weather conditions we have had to extend the suspension of all services until 1pm.

"We will continue to provide regular updates via our social channels and website. Please contact your airline for specific flight info before travelling to airport."

Scotland's Transport Minister Humza Yousaf said people should avoid travel unless essential and warned the weather is due to worsen.

He told Sky News: "We are very clear ... avoid travel. This is the highest and most severe weather warning, it is red. It is the first time we have ever had a red weather warning for snow in Scotland.

"So it just re-emphasises that message that people should ask themselves the question 'is this journey absolutely and utterly essential?' - if not, do not travel."

He said that people should consider leaving work early if they are able to do so, because of the red warning.

He added: "Progressively the day is going to become worse with the weather challenges particularly from 3pm onwards so it is only going to get worse."