A DECISION on closing the Isle of Man’s schools again tomorrow is still being awaited as government officials wait to see if more snow is likely to fall. An announcement is expected this afternoon.
The Met Office at Ronaldsway has issued a 5-day forecast which suggests that there will be isolated wintry showers during today but strong 30mph+ winds may cause drifting on high ground.
However, the forecast for tonight is that there is probably going to be more frequent snow, especially on high ground. The Island’s children - enjoying an unexpected extra day off from school today - are keeping fingers crossed for another free day to enjoy the snow tomorrow.
Apart from the Mountain Road - which remains closed - most roads in the Isle of Man are passable with care, but the clear message from the police and the Department of Infrastructure is that cars should only be used “if absolutely necessary.”
Some bus services have resumed, but lots of routes in Douglas are still covered in ice which is unlikely to thaw in the low temperatures. Temperatures as low as minus 7 at Stoney Mountain quarry were recorded this morning.
The Ronaldsway Met Office 5-day forecast is as follows:-
Tuesday 30 November
Weather: Sunny/ clear spells and isolated wintry showers. Strong winds
may cause drifting of lying snow on high ground.
Wind: East to NE 20-25 gusts 35, locally 30 gusts 40-45 in exposed
places at first.
Visibility: Good, falling moderate or poor in any showers.
Comments: Ice/ snow. Strong winds. Possibly a little splash over of waves.
Wednesday 1st December
Weather: Sunny/ clear spells and isolated wintry showers. Strong winds
may cause drifting of lying snow on high ground.
Wind: East to NE 20-25 gusts 35.
Visibility: Good, possibly moderate or poor in any showers.
Comments: Ice/ snow. Strong winds. Possibly a little splash over of waves.
Thursday 2nd December
Weather: Sunny/ clear spells and very isolated wintry showers.
Wind: East to NE 20-25 gusts 35, gradually easing 05-10.
Visibility: Good, possibly moderate or poor in any showers.
Comments: Ice/ snow. Strong winds at first.
Friday 3rd November
Weather: Dry, with sunny/ clear spells.
Wind: Variable 05-10.
Visibility: Good.
Comments: Frost/ risk of ice.
Send us your snow pictures - newsroom@isleofman.com
