24/7 - work continues to restore supplies

Round-the-clock work is continuing tonight (Saturday), led by MEA engineers, infrastructure workers and the civil defence.

Parts of Kirk Michael remain completely cut off due to snow but staff are working to restore electricity supplies, while infrastructure teams clear routes to allow them access.

The worst news comes for residents at Cronk-y-Voddy, Glen Helen, areas of Abbeylands and Ballaholly/Ballcrye, as well as the former Ballacallin Hotel.

The Manx Electricity Authority says it could be another three days before supplies are fully restored to those areas.

It could also be 48 hours before power is back on at Barregarrow, Jurby Church, Sartfield and Fleshwick.

It’s hoped electricity will be back on within 24 hours at Eairystane, Dalby and the Waterfall Hotel.

MEA chief executive Phil King says extreme weather conditions have imposed significant stresses on the overhead line system – causing the most widespread damage since the storms of January 2005 (audio file attached).

He’s praised the efforts of the team for working in difficult conditions and customers for their patience.

Customers with queries or concerns about vulnerable neighbours can contact the MEA Customer Support team on 687687.

Meanwhile, Peel and Ramsey coastguard teams helped evacuate a young family from a property on the Cronk-y-Voddy cross roads earlier today (Saturday).

They were called out by a family member after a home lost power and was surrounded by heavy snow drifts.

Coastguard operations officer Michael MacDonald said there was genuine concern (audio file attached).

During Ramsey Coastguard's return to Ramsey station they helped members of the public stuck in the snowy conditions.

Meanwhile, drivers with vehicles abandoned on either Cooil Road or the Mount Murray back road are now able to access their vehicles and move them.