Weather Update Tuesday 12 January 2010

12th January 2010

Schools: Only one secondary school, five primary schools and four nursery schools in the Highlands were closed today (Tuesday 12 January 2010) as a result of adverse weather conditions. Kingussie High School remained closed due to health and safety concerns. Grantown Grammar opened to S4-6 pupils.

Primary schools closed were: Foyers (water damage); Kinlochewe (leak); Munlochy (frozen pipes); St Bride's, Onich (no water or heating); and Scoraig (heating problems).

Nursery schools closed were: Grantown Nursery; Gergask Nursery (water damage); Aultbea (frozen pipes) and Tarradale (frozen pipes).

Salt supplies: Supplies remain at a critical level. A consignment of 3,500 tonnes is expected on Monday 18 January.

Forecast: A thaw is expected over the next few days which will increase the threat of flooding and measures are being taken to ensure we have sufficient sand bags in stock.

Community service support: This week a total of 121 individuals on community service orders have been helping with snow clearing and gritting. This involves 872 hours of service to the community.

Bin collections: Crews are back to their normal routines. The message for the public is that they should not leave out black bins beside their bins. Excess bags should be placed back into the bin once emptied for the next scheduled collection day or be taken to the nearest recycling centre for disposal.

Roads: (Northern Constabulary Roads Report - Tues 12th Jan 2010 - Updated 1600 Hrs)

The A894 between Skiag Bridge and Newton Junction is currently closed due to drifting snow.

The A898 between Rhiconich and Laxford Bridge is affected by snow but passable with care.

The B9007 Carrbridge to Ferness road remains closed due to snow.

The unclassified Staffin to Uig (Skye) road remains closed due to snow.

The unclassified Kishorn to Applecross (Ross-shire) road remains closed due to snow.

Many roads in the Northern Constabulary area continue to be affected by snow and ice, with minor untreated roads being particularly slippery with widespread areas of black ice.

Police continue to advise motorists to drive with caution.

Anyone looking for further roads/weather information is asked to use:-

1. Traffic Scotland Helpline:- 0800 028 1414

2. Traffic Scotland website:- www.trafficscotland.org

3. Local radio broadcasts (which are updated regularly by police).