Black ice warning as road temperatures plummet

Orkney Islands Council is warning of very challenging road conditions tonight (Monday 8 February) and into tomorrow, as road surface temperatures plummet.

Snow and black ice are forecast for the county, with air temperatures down to -3 degrees and road surface temperatures below -5 overnight and in the early hours of tomorrow.

After heavy treatment over the last few days there will be an increased risk tonight and in the morning of black ice as snow melt freezes. Motorists are asked to remember that around dawn is often the coldest part of the day.

Drivers are advised if at all possible to avoid travelling on roads tonight and the early part of tomorrow.

Council gritters and snow ploughs will be treating roads all afternoon and until 18:00 tonight and again from 06:00 tomorrow.

Motorists are reminded:

• Grit is not a magic potion – it takes time and traffic for the salt to be activated and do its job. Always drive to conditions. Please have this conversation with any new or inexperienced drivers in your household.
• Gritters do not operate before 06:00 and finish gritting at 18:00 – so use judgement on whether to travel later at night and be prepared with warm clothing, a fully charged phone, snacks and drinks.
• The Council has 370km of Priority 1 roads to keep passable and more than 600km of other routes to treat. Gritters clearly can't be everywhere at once and roads and footpaths are prioritised so that major roads and routes to emergency services are treated first, followed by more minor routes. Find out more about this hierarchy, including footpaths that are treated, by reading the Council's Winter Service Plan.
• There are around 320 grit bins located around Orkney - residents are encouraged if they spot one running low to advise us by visiting our website and click on ‘Report It’ – or call Customer Services during office hours on 01856873535.
• Be safe be seen! Wear high-viz clothing, whether walking or cycling on our roads, or out de-icing or shovelling snow.

Residents are also reminded to check on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours. It's expected these very cold and challenging conditions will continue for several days.

Find out more about being prepared for winter visit our Winter Safety page.