18-inch snow drifts and ice on Highland road network as cold snap takes its toll with closure on notorious Ross-shire route
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DRIFTING snow, ice and wind across the Highland Council road network has resulted in treacherous conditions in places and at least one closure within Ross-shire.
Snow drifts of up to 18 inches have been reported in some areas.
The cold snap has already taken its toll on a number of schools across the region with several in Ross-shire affected.
More than 3500 children are affected by school closures across Highland Council at time of writing.
Highland Council's morning roads report – which comes in the wake of a weather warning for snow and ice – offers a snapshot of conditions provided by operatives.
Wester Ross
Four inches of snow across the network this morning. Bealach na Bà road remains closed. Treatment ongoing. No reported overnight issues.
Ross & Cromarty
Negative air and roadside temperatures with wintry showers and up to four inches of snow in places, with a dusting of powdery snow further inland. Treatment of all routes and footpaths is ongoing this morning. No overnight issues.
Sutherland
The B9176 Struie Road between Ardgay and Ardross at 6:30am had six inches of snowfall with drifting of up to 18 inches in places.
This has been bladed and treated early and a return visit will take place. Care is advised if driving this route. Snow and ice is affecting all areas this morning. Higher inland routes have up to six inches of snowfall which is drifting in the wind creating drifts of up to one foot in exposed areas.
The A836 Lairg to Tongue road is currently the worst affected location.
Badenoch and Strathspey
Snow and ice across the network. All routes being treated with priority given to Primary and Secondary roads. All footpath routes being treated also. No known overnight issues.
Nairn
Snow and ice across the network at all levels. All routes being treated with priority given to Primary and Secondary roads. All footpath routes being treated as well. No known overnight issues.
Skye and Raasay
Drivers reporting a thin covering of snow and widespread frosts across Skye this morning. Routes being treated by priority. No overnight issues to report.
Lochaber
Two to four inches of snow covering most routes. Roads bladed and treated. Some heavy snow showers at times. Primary and Secondary treatment ongoing. After that other routes will be looked at. No issues overnight.
Inverness
Roads mainly dry with stretches of frost and a light covering of snow on some routes. Gritters treating all routes.
Caithness
Negative temperatures this morning with with strong winds and snow showers affecting all routes. Treatment is ongoing this morning. No known overnight issues to report.
The council stresses that the information provided is a summary of reports from operational staff and is intended to give a general indication of typical conditions in each area at a point in time.
It is not intended to imply that any individual route is entirely snow and ice free "and drivers must be aware that conditions can change rapidly and make their own assessment of conditions for travelling".
Maps of the Council’s gritting routes by priority and policy are available online at www.highland.gov.uk/gritting.
At the time of issue, there are a number of schools or nurseries closed today as a result of bad weather. The school closure webpage is updated from 8am and cleared by 6pm each evening.
There is currently a Met Office Snow and Ice warning for Highland. Information on weather warnings are available on the Met Office website.
For information on Trunk Roads follow @trafficscotland or visit https://www.traffic.gov.scot/
