The A9 Perth to Inverness road has reopened following earlier closures caused by snow blizzards which resulted in police declaring a “major incident”.
In a statement, police said: “The A9 has fully re-opened in both directions following earlier closures due to adverse weather.
“The road is passable with care, however, motorists are advised to only travel if essential and extra caution should be exercised.”
Throughout most of Wednesday, stranded drivers were asked to remain in their cars as traffic was brought to a standstill.
Motorists were stuck in both directions at Dalnaspidal, and further south towards Perth between Dunkeld and Ballinluig.
Earlier, police declared a “major incident” in response to the travel chaos along the major Highland road and have advised drivers to remain in their cars until further notice.
They said in a statement: “Alongside partner agencies we are dealing with a number of vehicles stranded on the A9 at Dalnaspidal due to severe weather conditions.
“Drivers are asked to remain in their vehicles meantime, keep warm, and tune in to local radio or social media where further updates will be provided as soon as possible.”
Cars stuck since 10am
Motorists were reportedly sitting in their cars since around 10am as heavy snow made the road impassable.
Snow ploughs and gritters are making their way along the road, but are stuck behind a queue of cars.
Family forced to cut journey short
One pair of new parents, who were travelling to the central belt from Caithness, described the panic as they opted to stay in Inverness for the night with their four-month-old son.
The dad told us: “The wind was reaching about 70mph as we passed over the Berriedale Braes, with quite a lot of debris and trees on the road.
“It seems to have got worse as the day went on.
“We got into Inverness at 1pm intending it to be a pitstop for the baby, but had been told about more closures on the A9 to Perth.
“At that point we decided to stay in Inverness and try again tomorrow. There was sheer panic as we saw people being turned away by stressed hotel staff. I think a lot of people had the same idea as us.”
Storm Gerrit brings yellow weather warnings
It comes as several Met Office yellow weather warnings are in place, with up to three inches of rain and six inches of snow to fall in some parts.
Storm Gerrit has swept in across the north and north-east with snow, heavy rain and strong winds causing havoc on the roads, trains, ferries and flights.
Alongside heavy snow falling along the A9, there has also been 67mph winds at Stornoway and 61mph at Dunstaffnage, near Oban.
