More heavy snow and northerly gales expected tonight

Eight schools remained closed this morning (Tuesday) following further heavy snow last night, with further snow expected later on today.

Despite signs of improvement this morning the Met Office issued a weather warning for the isles, forecasting a heavy fall of snow tonight. In the meantime, however, the council’s roads department reported no major problems on major routes today.

Aith Junior High School stayed closed this morning along with the schools at Happyhansel, Nesting, Sandness, Skeld, Tingwall, Uyeasound and Whiteness. However, Uyeasound did open its doors within an hour to allow lessons to continue.

Last night snowploughs operated a convoy system ahead of the buses as they left the town. However, a spokesman for the SIC’s roads service said there were no plans to repeat the exercise tonight.

“The main roads are all down to the black.  They are all clear north and south, although the side roads are still a bit slushy, but JCBs are out working on minor roads to clear them up,” he said.

“It is freezing in places where there the sun doesn’t get through, but all the gritters have finished their routes and most of them are back.”

Despite more pleasant conditions today, forecasters expect prolonged and heavy snow showers to fall in the afternoon and evening as northerly gales develop.

Conditions should improve overnight as winds ease and showers become lighter and scattered.  A widespread frost is expected. Tomorrow is expected to bring scattered wintry showers with light winds.