Ross-shire ice warning as recently flooded local roads now subject to fresh danger
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A NUMBER of Ross-shire roads which were yesterday treacherous at best and impassable at worst have been downgraded to "passable with care" status after a cessation of rainfall.
Highland Council earlier this morning declared Skiach junction to Westford roundabout clear and the road open.
It said the Invergordon Shore Road "remains partially flooded, covering one side of the road, but passable with care".
The A832 Muir of Ord - Marybank Road has been declared clear and the A834 Dingwall to Strathpeffer Road, which has seen bad flooding yesterday.
The A9 was also opened at Tomich following yesterday's flooding.
Landowners are now being asked to check vegetation and trees for any potential risk to the public and householders to check their drains for potential overspill on to public roads.
While the rain has stopped, Highlanders are being warned against complacency with the Met Office issuing yet another weather warning kicking in at 9pm tonight (Sunday), this time for ice.
The dip in temperature following extensive rainfall and surface water has prompted calls to motorists in particular to exercise caution and heed alerts.
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The Highlands and Islands Resilience Partnership, which includes councils, is now in recovery mode following the earlier emergency response.
The statement issued this afternoon says, in full: "The Highlands and Islands Local Resilience Partnership has now been formally stood down following the multi-agency emergency response to Storm Babet.
"The partners undertook a review this morning and a decision has been made to move into the recovery phase following the emergency response.
"Partners are keen to stress that during the recovery phase members of the public should remain vigilant and recognise the risks which may still exist, such as debris on footpaths or roads and the potential for ice on already saturated ground following this morning’s Met Office Yellow Warning for Ice for the Highlands and Islands.
"Multi-agency partners are advising householder to check their own properties for any damage and take care when out and about, particularly given the imminent ice risk."
Police Scotland’s North Highland Area Commander, Chief Inspector Stuart Fitzpatrick, said: “Whilst we are now in the recovery phase it is important to remain vigilant and take care on roads which will still be affected by standing water and potentially ice at some point over the next 12-24 hours.
“There will still be water in places where people may not expect it to be, and our message is stay safe and drive according to the conditions.”
He added: “On behalf of all the multi-agency partners I would like to thank the public for their understanding and ongoing support. Everyone played their part in helping us get through this period of extreme weather.”
The Highland Council is encouraging landowners to check trees and vegetation near to public roads which may have been damaged.
Landowners are also asked to check the drainage from their property that it is not blocked and overflowing onto public roads.
Highland Council operatives have been clearing fallen trees across the region but due to the large amount of demand, the council urges private landowners to check their property near roads.
Tracey Urry, Head of Roads and Infrastructure said: “Damaged trees/vegetation and blocked drainage can cause potential hazards to road users by obstructing the passage of vehicles and pedestrians. The Council is particularly concerned where weakened or damaged branches could subsequently fall on vehicles or pedestrians.
“Our teams have been working incredibly hard during Storm Babet try to keep the Council’s roads clear but where there is a risk to our staff’s health and safety we sometimes have to postpone works until it is safe to resume works.”
For further information, landowners requiring advice and guidance on this matter should contact the council’s service centre on 01349 886601 (during office hours) or 01349 886690 (out of hours).
NHS Highland’s Resilience Manager, Kate Cochrane, said: “We are pleased that the weather is returning to more like what we would consider normality, but it’s important that people take care if they are out walking, to avoid any potential slips, trips, and falls.
“Ice can hide under grass and not be immediately apparent so we’re asking everyone to take care.”
