UPDATE: Heavy snow has wreaked havoc across the Highlands as an icy Arctic blast descends on the region, causing significant disruptions. The frigid temperatures, driven by northerly winds from Siberia, have resulted in yellow warnings for snow and ice throughout the Highlands, Moray, and Aberdeenshire. Motorists are facing perilous driving conditions as multiple reports of accidents flood in.
Several vehicles were stuck on the A939 on the night of December 5, 2023, as heavy snow blanketed the Cairngorms and Grampians. Early morning on December 6 saw a lorry jack-knifing on the A9, blocking traffic in both directions at Dunbeath. Furthermore, sections of the A9, including the Tain bypass, are currently treacherous due to poor visibility and snow accumulation, complicating the morning rush-hour commute.
Public transport has not been spared from the relentless weather. The 11:43 AM train from Inverness to Dingwall and the 12:45 PM return service have both been cancelled. Early trains from Wick to Inverness at 6:18 AM and 8:02 AM did not stop at Thurso, attributed to a “fault with the signalling system,” a common issue in heavy snow.
The impact on education is significant, with 20 schools and 10 nurseries already closed or partially closed, affecting over 1,400 students. Notable closures include Gairloch High School, Bonar Bridge Primary, and Lochcarron Primary. Many schools such as Portree High School and Newtonmore Primary expect to open an hour later than usual due to the snow.
Authorities are urging residents to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary, as conditions are expected to worsen throughout the day. For a complete list of school closures, visit https://www.highland.gov.uk/schoolclosures.
As this situation continues to develop, residents are advised to remain vigilant and prepare for further disruptions. Stay tuned for more updates as emergency services and local authorities respond to this severe weather incident.
