Weather update - Thursday 7 January 2010

Review of current road conditions:  A number of roads remain closed as a result of heavy snow on Tuesday.  Roads closed are listed below.

Forecast projections:  The forecast is for the cold snap to continue for the next week with temperatures, as low as -20%, expected over the weekend.

Salt Supplies:  The Council is expecting a consignment of 3,400 tonnes of salt at Invergordon tomorrow and a further 2,000 tonnes at Inverness on before the weekend. This morning we had sufficient to keep us going for a week.

Mutual aid: We have agreed to provide supplies of salt to councils in the Western Isles (150 tonnes), Edinburgh and  Renfrew (both 100 tonnes), who are running low on supplies. 

Community Service:  Four offenders, serving community service orders, are helping clear paths in Fort William and we have highlighted this in a news release issued today.

Schools:  Schools are due to re-open after the festive break on Monday 11 January. TEC Services are working with ECS to allow access to as many schools as is practicable.   Detailed guidance has been given to head teachers today. A statement will be issued on Friday updating the public on schools that will be open and those that will remain closed.

Latest Status of Roads in Northern Constabulary Area:-

Sutherland

B869 Unapool to Lochinver - Closed due to Snow.
B871 Kinbrace to Syre - Closed due to Snow

Skye

B885 Struan to Portree - Closed due to Snow

Badenoch

B9007 Carrbridge to Glenferness - Closed due to Snow

Wester Ross

Unclassified Kishorn to Applecross - Closed due to Snow

All remaining roads in the Northern Constabulary force area remain open, although many (particularly minor routes) remain affected by snow and ice.

Following overnight snow, Orkney Police are advising travellers only to travel if necessary.  Authorities are prioritising major routes, therefore minor roads may be affected for some time.

Elsewhere, Northern Constabulary urge travellers to take extra care and allow extra time for their journey.

Up to date information on the state of roads throughout Scotland can be obtained from the Traffic Scotland website (trafficscotland.org) or through their traffic helpline (0800 028 1414).

Travellers should also tune in to their local radio stations, who are regularly updated by police.

Alistair Dodds, Chief Executive