SEVERAL vehicles have become stranded on the A9 due to heavy and drifting snow, Traffic Scotland has warned.

It has advised drivers that the road is closed in both directions at Helmsdale after vehicles became stuck in the wintry conditions between the village and Berriedale to the north.

There are snow gates at Helmsdale and Berriedale, though it is unclear if the closure is between those two specific points.

"Reports of several vehicles becoming stuck in wintry conditions on the A9 between Helmsdale and Berridale," said a Traffic Scotland spokesperson.

READ MORE: Met Office issues fresh warnings amid Arctic freeze

"Gritters are already en-route to deal with the conditions.

"Please take care as conditions are particularly tricky."

Traffic Scotland has also advised drivers to use "alternate routes". However, a number of other roads in the north, including the A897 between Kinbrace and Melvich, are also impassable.