News / First school closures of the winter
DRIFTING snow on some side roads has led Shetland Islands Council to close four primary schools and a junior high.
The schools affected today (Wednesday, 5 Dec.) are the Aith Junior High School, and the primary schools in Skeld, Happyhansel, Sandness, and Dunrossness.
The council’s school services doesn’t expect any further closures during the day as weather conditions are likely to ease over the next 24 hours.
Council snowploughs will be out in force during the morning to clear the roads. Minor side roads (Priority 3) will again be gritted today.
However, this might take a little bit longer as the council now operates fewer gritters than in previous years.
Schools manager Shona Thompson said: “Due to the wind overnight there has some accumulation of snow on the side roads. The roads men are ploughing that away at the moment and treating the roads.”
Meanwhile, Sumburgh Airport has also been closed due to snow.
Airport manager Nigel Flaws said they hoped to be operational by 9am, but that was depending on whether or not the runway was hit by further snow showers.
“It was snowing up until 7.30am. We had about an inch and a half of snow. It takes time to clear the runways, as well as the apron and the stands.
“After clearing the snow we have to de-ice and make sure there is enough friction.”
He advised travellers to check with their airlines (Loganair: 0844 800 2855, Flybe: 0871 700 2000) before setting out.
The morning flights to Edinburgh and Kirkwall are now expected to leave Sumburgh not before 10am, while the 7.45am arrival from Aberdeen is now only due to land just before midday, due to new snowfalls in Aberdeen.
Scatsta airport, meanwhile, is expecting its first fixed wings flight to arrive at around 10.30. A spokeswoman said that snow clearing had been going on since 4am but everytime the runway had been cleared new snow showers had ruined their efforts. “so far nothing has moved,” she said.
Weather related updates are also available on the Shetland Islands Council website at: http://www.shetland.gov.uk/adverseweather/default.asp
Please send any photos or news about road & weather conditions to news@shetnews.co.uk
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