Parts of the A9 will remain closed overnight, cutting off access to Caithness for drivers.
The snow gates along the A9 at Dunbeath and Helsmdale will stay closed.
The Highland trunk road has been closed in both directions between Helmsdale and Berriedale for much of Thursday.
In a statement put out shortly before 6pm, Police Scotland Highlands & Islands advised against travel.
A police spokesperson wrote: “Should any emergency services require to travel along this route, please be reassured that resources are in place to support this.
“In addition, road conditions in the North Highland area remain extremely challenging and we would urge motorists to remain at home other than for essential travel.”
Some motorists stranded along the A9 had to be rescued.
An amber weather warning for frequent heavy snow showers has been in place across much of the Highlands since yesterday afternoon.
The Highland Council has advised motorists to avoid the road if they can due to the “treacherous” conditions.
Some roads have been closed after becoming impassable due to snowdrifts.
This afternoon, police and Bear Scotland staff have been working tirelessly to free the stranded vehicles amidst the heavy snow showers.
Gritters were still clearing the roads at around 4:30pm.
Bear Scotland said one of their gritters was struggling to navigate snow drifts just south of Newport, a small village in Caithness.
Road closures have also been imposed on several routes across the region due to heavy snow in the area.
- A836 between Melvich and Durness
- A897 Strath Halladale Road, between Melvich and Helmsdale
- A836 Altnaharra Road, between Tongue and Lairg
- B9176 Struie Road, between Evanton and Ardgay
- A82 is partially restricted due to a collision between Drumnadrochit and Invermoriston
Highlands Council posted the below map to their Facebook, showing the extent of the closures.
Cars stuck in snow on A9
The continuous snowfall in the Helmsdale area led to “several vehicles” becoming stuck along the route.
Those stranded were advised to stay in their vehicles until conditions improved.
Last month, traffic was brought to a standstill on the A9 due to snow blizzards caused by Storm Gerrit.
Drivers and passengers were forced to camp out in their vehicles for more than 10 hours.
It was declared a “major incident” by police at the time.
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