Weather latest: Widespread school closures and accidents reported as snowfall continues

• “Serious” road accident on A9 closes traffic in both directions

• A94 scene of road accident involving lorry and car

• 79 schools in Aberdeenshire closed, further nine schools open only to staff

• 13 primary schools in Moray shut

Tayside Police said the “serious road traffic incident” occurred near to Kindallachan, Ballinluig, Pitlochry.

A force spokesman said: “Motorists are advised that there are no diversions available at this time due to weather conditions. The road will be closed for some considerable time. Therefore, if at all possible motorists are advised to avoid this route.

“Alternative routes to the north of the country can currently be made via Glasgow to Fort William or Dundee to Aberdeen.”

Meanwhile, more than 120 schools from Highland Perthshire to Moray were closed today as a fresh Arctic blast swept across the region, bringing heavy snowfalls and drifting snow, whipped up by the high winds.

Grampian Police warned motorists not to travel unless their journeys were absolutely necessary as major roads across the area were closed or classified as only “passable with care.”

Meanwhile, Tayside police issued a warning to drivers as a road accident involving a lorry and another vehicle on the A94 highlighted treacherous driving conditions due to continuing snowfall.

A spokesman for Tayside Police said: “The winter weather conditions caused a road accident on the A94 Scone Road in Perth earlier this morning where a lorry jack-knifed and a car hit a traffic sign whilst trying to avoid the lorry. Those involved sustained minor injuries.

“A number of roads in the area have already been closed due to snow. They include the A93 at Spittal of Glenshee, and the A923 Muirhead to Coupar Angus road. Clearly given the amount of snow that has fallen overnight in some parts of Tayside, minor and more rural routes have been affected, and all agencies are working hard to clear the roads with a priority on major routes.

“We would ask people to consider the necessity of their journey, and to ensure that they are prepared for the road conditions, leaving plenty of time for their journey and have suitable equipment and clothing in their vehicles.”

In Aberdeenshire 79 schools have been completely closed and a further nine schools closed to pupils, including Aboyne, Alford, Banchory and Meldrum academies and the Gordon Schools at Huntly.

Thirteen primaries in Moray have been closed because of the adverse weather conditions, 24 schools have been closed in Perth and Kinross, including Blairgowrie High School, while 16 schools have been closed in Angus.

Seven schools in Aberdeen have been partially closed because of school transport problems.

In Grampian the A93 between Ballater and Glenshee, and the A939 Tomintoul and Ballater road has been closed at the Lecht because of whiteout conditions. Also closed are the A940 Forres to Grantown road, and the A941 Dufftown to Rhynie road at the Cabrach while a host of B roads are “not advised” because of deep drifting snow.

A spokesman for Moray Council said: “There are whiteout conditions in the Dufftown, Cabrach and Tomintoul areas with most roads impassable. Snow clearing is suspended in these areas until visibility improves. Other upland areas of Moray are suffering from drifting with most main roads now cleared.”