Roads shut in Highland as snow continues to fall
Motorists are being advised that two Sutherland roads are currently closed to traffic because of drifting snow.
Highland Council say that the A836 Lairg to Tongue route and the A897 Helmsdale to Melvich route are closed to traffic.
In its winter road condition report for today, the authority states that the roads it maintains throughout the country, with the exception of the western coastal fringe, are covered with 3"-6" of snow with drifting on higher routes.
The stretch of the A894 from Skiag to Newton Junction was closed but has now reopened.
A Highland Council spokesman said: "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
The UK Met Office currently has a yellow weather warning in place for snow for some parts of the Highland region. Track any changes to this weather warning throughout the course of the day here: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/
Here is the road report for individual areas:
Sutherland
The whole of the area, with the exception of the Western coastal fringe, has lying snow 3"- 6" – drifting on higher routes. The A894 Skiag - Newton Junction has now reopened. However, the A836 Lairg - Tongue route & the A897 Helmsdale - Melvich route remain closed to traffic because of drifting snow.
Caithness
Low road surface temperatures and odd showers of snow. Damp roads on the east coast of the county are round Wick, the rest of the county has a light dusting of snow less than 1" and not enough to blade. Treating all routes as necessary. No known other issues to report.
Ross and Cromarty East
A covering of snow and low surface temperatures on all routes throughout the area. All routes being treated.
Lochalsh and Ross & Cromarty West
Awaiting update on road conditions from operatives within the Lochalsh and Ross & Cromarty West area. The news release on Highland Council’s website will be updated once this is available.
Lochaber
Dry overnight with low road surface temperatures. All routes being treated. No overnight issues reported.
Skye and Raasay
Roads dry with no reported hazards.
Inverness
Roads mainly dry this morning with low road surface temperatures. Some other routes on high ground still need snow clearing. Covering all routes and footpaths.
Nairn
Ice throughout the area. Primary and secondary routes being treated as well as footpaths. No known overnight issues.
Badenoch and Strathspey
Ice and frost located throughout the area. All routes being treated as well as footways. No known overnight issues.
