OLECG says ‘think twice’ on travel

Orkney's Local Emergency Coordination Group has thanked the public for heeding travel warnings in Orkney last night - but advised drivers that they should 'think twice' about road journeys over the coming days.

Last night saw all roads in Orkney become virtually impassable due to heavy snow fall and strong winds causing significant drifts.

Orkney Islands Council's road crew - with the support of volunteers from across the community – have subsequently been out since early this morning clearing drifts as the snow begins to thaw, but are being hampered by drivers eager to get back on the road.

In addition a yellow warning for ice, comes into force at 17:00, meaning that surface water from the thaw will freeze, causing difficult, potentially treacherous driving conditions.

The advice therefore remains to only travel if you consider the journey absolutely necessary - and drive to the conditions if you must travel.

Police Scotland's Chief Inspector Scott Robertson said: "It's thankfully a very rare occurrence that OLECG finds itself in the position of having to issue such strong 'do not travel' advice - but we were in very extraordinary circumstances.  As ever, our public agencies, key workers, volunteers and communities really came through - heeding those warnings and offering help and support to those in need."

"Whilst the thaw will appear to most to be well underway, there are still issues on our roads, particularly in the more rural areas.  Council crews - and those invaluable volunteers - are hard at work shifting the snow but they are being hindered by drivers trying to come through these conditions. Please  - give them space to work.

"Whilst we continue to deal with the situation, we would advise people to think twice as to whether they need to undertake the journey now or whether it can wait till later when the crews have done the work they need to do.  The Council's Communications team have been keeping social media updated with the latest advice from the roads team - and people should stay tuned to that for the latest picture.

"We're facing more tricky weather tonight and across the weekend – with ice, flooding and wind forecast. OLECG will meet again tomorrow to discuss the latest situation - and will provide further updates if required.”