Drivers asked to delay journeys to allow gritters to clear roads

DRIVERS are being asked to delay any journeys this morning until gritting crews can clear roads affected by drifts caused by overnight snow and strong winds.

Many main roads and side roads across Shetland are blocked after heavy snow showers has lead to accumulations of wind-blown snow.

This led to the police asking people to only travel if absolutely necessary.

The wind has now dropped away and gritting crews, with assistance from local contractors, are making progress to clear these drifts.

Shetland Islands Council is asking drivers to delay any journeys until later in the day, to allow gritter crews to clear affected roads so that they are safe and passable to traffic.

Meanwhile after a review this morning there are no public bus services running today, and there will be no household waste or recycling collections either.

Due to road blockages in Yell the Bluemull Sound ferry service has been suspended.

The Yell Sound ferry is running a single vessel due to a technical issue. Whalsay is also going to a single vessel, with some roads out of the isle impassable.

All flights are cancelled at Sumburgh Airport for the remainder of the day.

As previously reported, all schools and nurseries are closed.

The Met Office has a yellow warning of snow and ice that is valid until 3pm today. Temperatures are set to rise on Saturday, leading to a thaw.