News / Heavy snowfall expected overnight
POLICE in Shetland have warned people to travel with care and look out for elderly neighbours, friends and relatives after the Met Office issued a warning that persistent heavy snowfall is expected in the islands overnight.
On Wednesday the Met Office issued an amber warning for Shetland, with outbreaks of sleet and snow expected to develop in the evening – becoming “persistent and heavy at times”.
Between five and 10 cm of snow is expected to accumulate “quite widely”, with as much as 15cm and the possibility of drifting on higher ground above 100 metres – though coasts facing strong west to north-westerly winds “should see just slight slushy falls”.
While the snow will die out by Thursday morning, road journeys are likely to be affected and more scattered snow showers are expected through the day.
The Met warns people to be prepared for “some very difficult travelling conditions” and possible disruption to transport and power supplies.
Shetland’s chief police inspector Lindsay Tulloch said: “Obviously in the next 24 hours the forecast is for a quite significant snowfall in Shetland, so I would ask people, if there is quite a bit of snow, to ensure they’ve got provisions in their houses.
“If you’re aware of elderly neighbours or family and friends who are living on their own, maybe check on them and make sure they’re okay.
“But if there’s snow on the roads, only travel if you have to, and make sure you’re travelling with your lights on in reduced visibility, and make sure your tyres are good.”
Since Tuesday, with temperatures dropping to near freezing, icy conditions have seen at least five cars come off the road.
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