Black ice and snow ahead

Orkney Islands Council is advising of the potential for black ice on the county's roads throughout next week, starting Sunday (4 April) night.

The Council’s Roads team is expecting road temperatures to dip below freezing every night from Sunday for around a week.

Snowfalls are also forecast for the county - the heaviest falls are likely to be Sunday and Monday evening which could see a couple of inches each night.

In addition, forecasts are indicating high westerly/northerly winds from Sunday right through to Tuesday night with gusts approaching 60mph.

The Council is reminding members of the public to remember the golden gritter rules - don't make sudden driving manoeuvres around or overtake gritters, and don't assume a road is safe because it’s been recently gritted, as salt takes time and traffic to help activate it.

Drivers are also asked to be mindful that while snow might melt during the day, the melt can freeze overnight - as can damp air coming into contact with very cold road surfaces, meaning that a road which appears to be wet might actually be icy.

Members of the public are reminded to make sure they are prepared for winter driving with warm waterproof clothes, drinks and snacks, and a fully charged phone, and to drive to conditions - keeping the potential for black ice next at any time next week in mind.