The Mitchell Highway to Sydney from Orange has re-opened however access to Mount Canobolas is blocked and there are road hazards throughout the region as Orange has received one of its biggest falls of snow in years.
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Live Traffic NSW reported the Mitchell Highway is closed in both directions near Shadforth between Millthorpe and Bradwardine roads from 10.20am, but it was re-opened a few hours later.
Power outages have also been reported in Orange today.
Essential Energy said more than 1000 customers in East Orange were affected with crews gradually restoring supplies.
The causes include tree branches on power lines and a car hitting a power pole.
Other outages have been reported north of Clifton Grove and around Mount Canobolas.
Road hazards have been reported throughout the Orange City Council area as 'alpine conditions' exist on the roads on Thursday morning.
Orange City Council says Orange Regional Airport was closed for the whole day.
The Escort Way is closed at Jonathan Road, Pinnacle Road is closed at Shiralee Road, Canobolas Road is closed at Pheasants Lane and council tree crews were working to clear Clergate road after a tree fell across the road.
Cabonne Council has also announced road closures for Amaroo Road (still open to local traffic),The Escort Way (between the Northern Distributor in Orange and Peabody Road), Pinnacle Road, Cargo Road, Lake Canobolas Road, Old Canobolas Road, Borenore Road, Canobolas Road and South Bowan Park Road.
There are reports of trees down on Long Point Road at Mullion Creek, Gazard Lane, Clergate, Bevans Road, Burrendong Way (one lane open) and Culya Lane.
Live Traffic NSW also reported a crash at Borenore on The Escort Way near Offner Road with traffic affected in both directions at 8am.
A snow and ice hazard has also been reported on The Escort Way just after 9am near Peabody Lane with diversions suitable for all vehicles in place.
Snow is also affecting traffic in both directions on the Great Western Highway at Mount Lambie.
One of two westbound lanes of the highway was also closed at Hartley near River Lett Hill.
With Orange school bus services cancelled due to heavy snowfall in the region, parents and guardians were being asked to check school websites to see if schools will be operating as usual.
Orange Buslines said all bus services had been cancelled on Thursday.
James Sheahan Catholic High School has officially called Thursday a snow day and closed the school for the day.
According to an email from the school's assistant principal Michelle Whiteley, which was sent to parents this morning, she is excited to officially call Thursday a snow day.
"Therefore, school has been cancelled for the day!," she said.
"I am giving you permission to enjoy the beautiful snow and a lazy day at home!
- READ ALSO: Snow, cold temps for eastern Australia
"Stay warm and safe and maybe find time to make a snowman or two!"
Some other schools, including Orange High School, Kinross Wolaroi School and Orange Anglican Grammar, will remain open to students although acknowledge getting students to school may be a challenge without school buses operational.
Orange High School has told students that Astley Cup, which was due to take place in Bathurst today, has been postponed as safety "remains their number one priority".
Organisers say tomorrow's Astley Cup events will proceed as planned at this stage.
Parents are asked to check their school's websites and Facebook pages to see if their children's schools open.
Police are encouraging motorists to be patient with road conditions today and also over the long weekend, with roads across the state expected to be busy with travellers.
Officers will be stationed across NSW for Operation Queen's Birthday 2021 between midnight on Friday and midnight.
Double demerit points will again be in force for speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt and motorcycle/helmet offences.
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