Richmond Hill reopened to traffic this afternoon after gritters cleared the route, but police continued to warn motorists to stay off the roads as heavy snow blanketed the Island.

There was gridlock in Douglas late this afternoon and this evening, as drivers tried to leave workplaces early, only to find many routes completely blocked.

All regular bus services were cancelled, and the Civil Defence force helped efforts to get as many school buses to schools as possible.

However, even after the snow stopped falling, traffic ground to a halt in Douglas, meaning many buses were unable to get where they needed to be.

Earlier this afternoon, John Moss gave this report from the Bus Station in Douglas (first part of audio file):

Around 3pm, Inspector Mark Britton said drivers needed to be aware of the poor conditions, and the extra traffic on the roads (second part of audio file):