Weather / Ice warning for tomorrow morning
PEOPLE are being warned of the prospect of hazardous icy conditions tomorrow morning (Saturday) as below-freezing temperatures are expected overnight following the start of snow thawing.
The Met Office has a yellow warning of ice in place for the north of Scotland, including Shetland, from 5pm today until 9am tomorrow.
However, once the thaw is under way properly some localised flooding can be expected. In fact there are already some reports of large puddles forming on roads.
While bus services have been cancelled today, there will be a review tomorrow morning.
Passengers intending to travel should check the public bus voicebank on 01595 745744.
Gritting crews, helped by local contractors, have today been clearing many roads of drifts that built up overnight.
Heavy snow showers this morning have added to their task but more roads are now passable with extreme care.
Minor roads particularly are still blocked but efforts are underway to clear these too. Drivers are still being asked to travel only if essential and to plan their journeys carefully.
With temperatures rising slightly this afternoon a thaw has begun, but temperatures will dip below freezing again this evening.
Inter-island ferry services continue to operate this afternoon, but disruption is possible.
Any passengers intending to travel are asked to check the voicebanks before travelling.
Anyone who needs urgent support across the weekend should call 01595 744468 (10am-4pm) or 01595 695611 (out of hours).
This is the duty social work number and calls will be passed on to the appropriate council or NHS staff.
Anyone with a community alarm in their home who needs some support, even if they are worried responders may not be able to get to them, should not hesitate to use it and services will get in touch.
Shetland Emergency Planning Forum has met again today and will meet again as appropriate, providing updates and further public information where necessary.
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