UPDATE: Heavy snow is wreaking havoc across the Highlands today, leading to widespread disruptions following a severe Arctic blast overnight. Temperatures plunged as frigid winds from Siberia swept over the North Pole, impacting all regions of the country.
Yellow warnings for snow and ice are currently in effect across the entire Highlands, Moray, and Aberdeenshire, creating treacherous driving conditions for motorists. Reports indicate that several vehicles were stuck on the A939 on Tuesday night, with multiple crashes documented in the area as heavy snow hit the Cairngorms and Grampians.
In a particularly alarming incident, a lorry jack-knifed on the A9, blocking traffic in both directions at Dunbeath early Wednesday morning. Visibility during the morning commute was severely compromised due to the driving snow, making other parts of the A9 equally perilous, including the Tain bypass.
Public transport has also been significantly affected, with two train services canceled: the 11:43 AM Inverness to Dingwall and the 12:45 PM Dingwall to Inverness. Earlier trains from Wick to Inverness at 6:18 AM and 8:02 AM also bypassed Thurso due to “a fault with the signalling system,” although the specific cause of the fault remains undisclosed.
In addition, numerous schools are grappling with the impact of the snow. More than 20 schools and 10 nurseries are either closed or operating under partial closures, affecting over 1,400 students across the region. Notable institutions impacted include Gairloch High School, Bonar Bridge Primary, Lochcarron Primary, and Rogart Primary. Schools like Portree High School and Newtonmore Primary have announced delayed openings by an hour due to the snow.
Authorities urge residents to exercise caution while traveling and to stay informed on weather updates. The full list of affected schools, including details on closures, can be found at https://www.highland.gov.uk/schoolclosures.
As conditions continue to develop, stay tuned for more updates on this severe weather situation.
