Rising winds cause further snow drifts

It’s another chilly one out there and although there was no snowfall overnight, rising wind is leading to further drifts on some of our roads.

Although the priority 1 routes are mostly treated and clear, some areas are being affected by snow being blown in off the fields and our gritter teams are keeping an eye on this.

Areas particularly affected by drifting snow – up to 3.5ft in parts – include the main A960 Kirkwall-Kirkwall Airport road, particularly on Wideford Brae and the B9056 Skaill-Oxtro junction – both are being closely monitored and are open. The B9056 Ocklester-school road is currently impassable but is being ploughed and it is hoped to have this open soon.

The gritter teams have restarted work on our priority 2 routes this morning namely South Ronaldsay, Stromness and Outer, the Old Finstown Road and Kirkwall. They have encountered a few problem areas, again due to drifting snow at Cauldhame and Heddle which are being cleared.

With rising winds due to continue and further possible snow showers today and into the weekend, folk are asked to be aware that despite the best efforts of the gritters, snow is blowing in behind them as the go.

The effort goes on to keep the roads as clear as they can, but with the best will in the world, they can’t be everywhere all the time unfortunately. So, without wishing to appear like a stuck record, the messaging remains the same – if you can stay home and don’t need to travel, then please do – the less folk on the roads, the safer it is for everyone.

Our thanks, once again, to you all for bearing with us as we endeavour to keep the roads clear and as safe as possible for those who do need to be out and about.