UPDATE
Hartley Valley Road has been closed due to ice and snow.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The closure is in the vicinity of Browns Gap and will be place until further notice.
"Should weather conditions improve, Council engineers will assess the situation and re-open the road as soon as possible," Lithgow City Council said in a statement released on Tuesday morning.
"The safety of motorists travelling through the area is of utmost concern at this time."
Edith Road between Bastard Point Road to Kanangra Walls Road in the Oberon Shire is closed due to low, sagging power lines (heavy with snow and ice) as well as snow and ice on the road. Oberon Shire Council states it has notified Essential Energy to attend to the power lines.
All other roads in the Oberon Local Government Area are open.
EARLIER
The slush has begun as snowfall has given was to rain in the Lithgow region, which woke up to snowfall on Tuesday, September 17.
Snow settled on the ground early this morning and still remains in places, but much of it is turning to slush.
Drivers are being warned of alpine conditions on the Great Western Highway from Leura all the way to Bathurst, which is affecting traffic in both directions. Emergency services and Transport for NSW have been at the site since 5am.
Drivers have been asked to reduce their speed and drive with caution.
The day marks a sudden change in temperature. After a top of 22 degrees in Lithgow on Monday, Tuesday's forecast was for a top of seven degrees.
The precipitation will come as a welcome relief to the region's fire-fighters who have continued to patrol blazes at Lidsdale and Ben Bullen.
It is understood that some school bus routes have been affected by this morning's snowfall and will not be running.
Lithgow Public School principal Mark Davies posted on social media this morning to update parents:
"The school has just been advised that the Owl bus, running from Bell and Clarence, won't be running today. Lithgow Bus Lines also advises that other services may be impacted as the day unfolds."
Lithgow Public School, Zig Zag and Cooerwull Public schools are warning that there will be minimal supervision in place, while Lithgow High will be open at this stage.
"At the moment school will be open. The year 11 exams will run to schedule.Please travel safely and with extra care," the post from Lithgow High School stated.
Portland Central School advised, after many phone calls and consultations, its excursion to Jenolan Caves would be going ahead, with students due to leave at 8.45am.
Schools generally announce their operations on their social media feeds, so keep an eye out.
READ MORE:
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Lithgow Mercury. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here.