'Continued disruption' expected overnight

Decision on schools to be made at 7am tomorrow

Poor weather conditions are expected to lead to further disruption on the Island overnight and into tomorrow morning.

The Isle of Man Government has issued an update this evening (5 January) following a day of cancellations and closures due to widespread snow and ice.

Schools

Schools and University College Isle of Man are expected to be open tomorrow but, with the changeable weather, there will be a review of conditions on sites tomorrow morning before a decision is made about whether they will open.

An announcement about that decision will be made at 7am, government says, adding that 'the safety of pupils and staff remains the Department of Education, Sport and Culture’s top priority'.

Schools were kept closed today, though a decision on afternoon classes was delayed pending a review.

Roads

At the time of writing (7pm) all main roads remain open with the exception of the Mountain Road between Ramsey and the Creg Ny Baa.

Read more HERE. 

Infrastructure teams have been working throughout the days to treat the main arterial routes.

Manx Radio has received reports this evening of traffic getting into difficulty at Kewaigue Hill, Richmond Hill and Bray Hill due to the icy conditions.

Motorists are being urged to consider whether their journey is necessary and to drive with caution and to the conditions.

Airport & Patient Transfer Services

Government says it is likely that Ronaldsway Airport, which closed today due to the level of snowfall across the runways overnight, will be closed at the start of the day.

Speaking to Manx Radio earlier this evening, Interim Airport Director Geoff Pugh told Manx Radio that teams have been 'mechanically clearing' the airfield throughout the day in order to put Ronaldsway in the 'best position' to reopen tomorrow.

Passengers are being advised to check with their airlines for any disruption.

Find the latest flight information HERE.

There will be no patient transfers by air tomorrow because of the uncertainty of the situation at the airport.

Residents scheduled to travel off-Island under the Patient Transfer Service are being told to familiarise themselves with their Travel Warrant, which includes important information and contact details in the event of travel difficulties.

Hospital

The hospital is operating as normal and there is no change to service delivery.

People should travel to appointments if it is safe to do so. If they cannot travel, they should contact the hospital in advance.

Buses

Services on some routes are currently restricted and buses are no longer serving Heather Crescent, The Strang, Farm Hill and Willaston Estate. 

Bus Vannin had warned that a drop in temperatures after 6pm this evening could see some smaller estates 'impassable' for buses.

Passenger can find the latest updates HERE.

Weather Warning

A yellow weather warning for ice is currently in force until midday tomorrow.

Find more HERE.