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Drifting snow reported on Wester Ross routes as high winds take toll; Routes closed in Sutherland as cold snap continues to have impact


By Hector MacKenzie

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SNOW drifts caused by high winds in parts of Wester Ross are causing issues on some roads though all remain passable with care this morning.

Highland Council's daily roads report provides a snapshot of conditions across the region.

Last week witnessed major snow drifts which caused closure of some routes in Wester Ross and left motorists stranded overnight on one stretch of the A835.

The roads report posted today includes the following information.

Ross and Cromarty East – All routes being treated and checked this morning. Primary routes drying out and no real issues in Mid Ross. Some very light drifting in Easter Ross leaving a light dusting on treated surfaces. Secondary routes generally good with some hard-packed snow in areas .

Lochalsh and Ross & Cromarty West –Generally dry roads with air temperatures milder than previous mornings. Roads still very cold and treatment ongoing to deal with water seepage and snow melt. High winds on A832 (The Fain) and A835 Ullapool to Ledmore are causing some drifting of snow though remain passable with care.

Lochaber – Dry road conditions with cold road surface temperatures continue in Lochaber, however, high salt residue with no precipitation means no requirement for treatment on routes this morning. No overnight issues.

Skye and Raasay – No planned action this morning. Predominantly dry road surfaces with residual salt present. No issues reported overnight.

Caithness – Main roads fairly good, bits drifting on Thurso to Shebster at Gateway's, on side roads Dorrey area & Skaill & top Durran stretches of Drifting, 2ft/3ft about, covering snow on most side routes, treatment ongoing on routes, footpaths also in Towns & rural areas, no issues reported.

Sutherland –High level routes affected by drifting snow. The A897 & A894 are currently closed. Some local central side roads also affected by drifting snow. Most other routes still have remnants of hard packed snow and icy patches. All routes currently being treated in order of priority.

Nairn – Some drifting snow on high level / exposed routes. Lower routes mainly clear with some slush on local roads being treated as necessary.

Badenoch and Strathspey – South end of area wet roads, no known issues. North end of area dusting of snow on lower routes - high level and exposed routes being assessed for possible road closures due to snow drifting in strong winds. The A939 Grantown to Tomintoul road is currently closed due to drifting snow.

The UK Met Office currently has a yellow weather warning in place for snow and ice for large parts of Highland, particularly the north-east region. Track any changes to this weather warning throughout the course of the day here: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/

Maps of the Council’s gritting routes by priority and policy are available online at www.highland.gov.uk/gritting


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