Snow plough leaves road after a foot of fresh overnight snowfall and drifts cause chaos on Highland routes
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Police have urged Highland motorists to take extra care, after heavy snow and drifting left some roads in such poor condition that even gritters have had trouble.
Up to a foot of fresh snow has fallen in some areas overnight, which, when coupled with drifting, has caused severe disruption to the road network in places.
A number of Wester Ross and Sutherland routes in particular are said to be impassable, with a number of closures or imminent closures already announced.
And, in the last few minutes, Highland Council confirmed that even one of its snow ploughs had left the road on the A836 between Altnaharra and Tongue due to the severity of the conditions.
Commenting on Twitter, the council said: "Snow plough has left the road on A836 at Loyal between Altnaharra and Tongue. Crew are safe and uninjured.
"A vehicle is being mobilised from Lairg to help them back onto the road. The A837 is also impassable between Ledmore Junction and Rosehall. Road expected to close shortly."
Elsewhere, the council's latest roads report confirmed particularly heavy falls overnight in Caithness, Sutherland and parts of Ross-shire:
Sutherland
Heavy overnight snowfall has delivered up to one foot of fresh snow, which has been and still is, drifting. This is causing whiteout conditions and drifts currently up to approximately four feet in exposed areas. Snow clearing vehicles mobilised from 6am. We currently would advise against travel. The A836 between Lairg and Tongue is currently impassable due to drifting snow. This road is being closed in the interest of public safety as the poor weather conditions continue. * Update 10:42am - The A897 is now closed between Kinbrace and Melvich due to drifting snow and strengthening winds.
Easter Ross
Fresh snow through the night with more snow forecast throughout the day. All routes are being treated and treatment will continue throughout the day. Roads are being treated based by priority on the network hierarchy. Caution advised.
Wester Ross
A832 between Braemore and Gairloch not advisable with bad drifting snow on the Fain between Braemore and Dundonnel. A foot of snow in places overnight. All resources are deployed but due to breakdown the C1047 from Drumrunie to Achultibuie is not advisable until teams can free up resources to treat later this morning. Caution advised on all other routes today with more snow and low temperatures forecast. No overnight issues reported
Caithness
Four to five inches of fresh snowfall last night on all routes. All routes are being affected by drifting snow, especially the A836 at Dunnet/Mey and the A99 at John O' Groats. All main routes seeing a double run first before treating other priorities. Footpaths in towns are also affected by heavy snow fall. A few issues this morning with vehicles being stuck, but all moving now. All main routes open and passable.
Inverness
A light covering of new snow overnight on roads. Still old, hard-packed/frozen snow between wheel tracks on some roads. Gritters out treating all routes.
Badenoch and Strathspey
Snow across the network this morning with negative temperatures. All resources are deployed and all routes are being treated. More snow and low temperatures are forecast throughout the day and evening . Caution advised on all roads and footpaths across the area.
Nairn
Snow across the network this morning with negative temperatures. All resources are deployed and all routes are being treated. More snow and low temperatures are forecast throughout the day and evening . Caution advised on all roads and footpaths across the area.
Skye and Raasay
Fresh covering of snow through the night across the area, with showers continuing this morning. Treatment to Primary and Secondary Routes ongoing.
Lochaber
Cold overnight with hard packed frozen snow on all routes. All resources are being deployed on Primary and Secondary routes, but conditions remain challenging. Driver caution is advised on all routes throughout Lochaber. No issues reported overnight.
Commenting on the region's snow-battered roads, a police spokesperson said: "Many roads throughout the north Highland area, particularly in the Wester Ross and north Sutherland areas remain treacherous due to snow and drifting. These conditions would prove challenging to motorists using conventional road vehicles.
"The A836 road between Lairg and Tongue, through Altnaharra has been closed due to impassable conditions.
"We would advise all motorists in the Wester Ross and north Sutherland areas to carefully consider whether their journeys are essential and to be suitably prepared for using the roads in these conditions."
