Island shivers as snowfall takes toll

The first snow of 2013 has swept across the Isle of Man today (18 January).

Although lighter than expected and not settling widely, snow has fallen throughout the day in many parts of the Island creating near-blizzard conditions in gale force winds on higher ground.

A number of roads have been closed, flights cancelled and events postponed while some communities lost their electricity supplies for a time.

King William's College and Buchan School closed at lunchtime although the Island's state primary and secondary schools remain open. KWC has postponed scholarship exams due to be held on Saturday (19 January) until 2 February.

The A18 mountain road has been closed since Thursday evening and is not due to re open before 5pm Friday, driving conditions are described as very poor with reduced visibility and snow drifts forming.

Other roads closed:

Sloc/shoulder road from Ballakillowey to Foxdale Road, due to remain closed until 10pm.
Brandywell Road from Barregarrow crossroads to Brandwell Corner, and Druidale Road, both closed until 11pm.
A3 from Ballacraine crossroads to Kirk Micheal
Tholt y WIll Road from Bungalow to former Tholt y Will hotel.

The Department of Education's Youth Service has closed its clubs and projects across the Island and there will be no mobile library service in Kirk Michael.

MEA engineers were called to restore power supplies in southern villages and in Ballaugh and Kirk Michael in the west, although the loss was not the result of power lines being brought down.

Several flights to and from the Island were cancelled at lunchtime, others flights are posted as cancelled later today due to severe weather in London.

Those affected are easyJet's service from Gatwick arrival 4pm, outward due 4.25pm and BA's flight from London City, arrival 4.05pm.

Numerous sports fixtures and training sessions are falling victim to the weather, full details on the Manx Radio sport facebook page.