Ross routes blocked as storm clean-up gets under way
SEVERAL Ross-shire routes have been affected by overnight storm debris in the aftermath of high winds associated with Hurricane Bertha.
Highland Council’s Community Services teams are responding to a number of floods and fallen trees across the region following a prolonged spell of incessant rain.
Up to four inches of rainfall was predicted overnight in some parts and this morning, a number of roads have been closed as a result.
The local authority said this morning its teams are "in full response and are dealing with events as priorities dictate".
In the interest of safety, motorists are being urged to adhere to road closure signs.
The Skiach to Evanton road was closed this morning as a result of fallen trees.
What was described as "extensive flooding", plus fallen trees, is also affecting the Seaboard villages in Easter Ross.
Alness, Invergordon and Milton are amongst other areas affected by flooding and debris.
In Wester Ross, the A832 is closed at Ardessie, Dundonnell.
Roads affected throughout the region are as follows:
North Area – there is significant overtopping of most culverts across the area with debris on roads, but generally all roads that are not closed are passable with care. Roads closed and affected are as follows:
- A838 (Durness to Tongue) closed due to erosion at south end of Loch Eriboll (Polla), plus landslip at Laid
- A836 at Clachan, Bettyhill – road verge eroded but passable with care.
- C1034 Altnaharra to Hope road, closed due to erosion at Strathmore Lodge
- B873 Altnaharra to Syre road closed at Grumbeg Bridge. Water is overtopping the bridge.
- U1623 Manse Road, Tongue closed due to erosion.
- B817 Skiach to Evanton is closed due to fallen trees.
- Road closure due to flooding at Clynelish Distillery. A wall has fallen down and there are large volumes of water and debris flowing down the road.
- Gordonbush Road closed due to extensive flooding.
- Oykel closed due to flooding.
- Trees down by Edderton.
- Extensive flooding and fallen trees along the roads to Seaboard Villages.
- Trees down Embo to Dornoch.
- Flooding on the B869 Clashmore to Drumbeg.
- Trees are also down at Osprey House but Council Call Centre Staff are able to access the call centre.
- Trees are also down in Ross Crescent, Milton and along Alness Main Street near the Morven House Hotel.
- Flooding is also affecting Smelter Road, Invergordon around the industrial link road.
Skye and Wester Ross:
- No issues are reported on Skye. The A832 is closed at Ardessie, Dundonnel.
Inverness:
- Minor flooding issues are reported across the Inverness Area but at this time no road closures known about.
Badenoch and Strathspey
- B9152 Road at the Wildlife Park is closed due to high water levels.
- A938 Road west of Duthil closed and expected to reopen later this morning once traffic signals are installed.
- Gynack Burn, Kingussie is very high and there is local flooding within Kingussie. Council Offices at Kingussie Station are inaccessible due to flooding in the car park – calls have been redirected. The Services Point does not due to open until 2pm and the situation is being reviewed this morning.
There are no issues reported in Fort William or Nairn areas, according to the local authority.
Do you have a weather picture from your area that helps to tell the story? If you'd like to share with us, please email toeditor@rsjournal.co.uk