With near freezing temperatures and frequent snow showers across the isles, Shetland Islands Council is advising drivers to take care on the roads tonight.
The Council’s gritting teams have been out from early this morning, clearing lying snow in places and applying winter road treatment to reduce the risk of ice forming on road surfaces. Despite this, road salt is having a limited effect in some locations because of reduced traffic volumes and low air temperatures.
With strong northerly winds, further snow showers and temperatures tonight forecast to remain close to freezing, the Council is advising drivers to proceed with caution if they need to travel on the roads this evening. There is a risk of ice forming on untreated surfaces and in areas where there is little traffic.
The Met Office has a yellow warning of ice in place for Shetland and the north of Scotland until 10am tomorrow morning.
Dave Coupe, Executive Manager – Roads, said: “Our gritting crews have been busy all day but the application of road salt relies on passing traffic to crush and spread it onto the road surface. Despite our efforts, there is a chance of icy patches in some locations. It is bitterly cold outside and with continued snow showers expected too, lying snow will build up in places which will make for difficult driving conditions. If they need to travel on the roads tonight, we’d ask drivers to take care and slow down.”