All schools and ELC settings in Shetland will be CLOSED to pupils and staff tomorrow – Thursday 18th January, with the forecast of continued cold temperatures and further snow.
*** Update: 9.00am, Thursday 18th Jan ***
- There are NO public buses running today - after review early this morning, all services are CANCELLED for the rest of the day.
- There will be NO essy kert collections today. When weather conditions improve, staff will attempt to collect missed collections - possibly this weekend. The Gremista Waste Management Facility is open today.
- The B9075 road (Weisdale to Sandwater junction, A970) is CLOSED to all through traffic, due to wind-blown snow. With some more snowfall overnight and a change in wind direction, there are drifts on many minor roads in Shetland.
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The Met Office has today issued an Amber Warning for Snow for the North of Scotland, including Shetland, valid from 1500hrs on Wednesday until 1800hrs on Thursday.
The Shetland Emergency Planning Forum has met this afternoon with local partner agencies discussing responses to the current cold snap.
Gritting crews continue to plough snow and treat roads throughout the day but fresh falls of snow today and increasing winds has led to drifting in many areas. Low temperatures are forecast to continue overnight with further snow showers expected.
Early morning public bus services are unlikely to operate tomorrow. Anyone planning to travel by bus is advised to check the public bus voicebank in the morning on 01595 745744.
While road conditions are still difficult and weather is still wintry, anyone needing urgent support is asked to contact the Council’s Duty Social Work service on 01595 744468 (during office hours) or 01595 695611 (out of hours). Staff will do what they can to provide support to anyone needing urgent help in the community.
Council-run youth clubs, the Youth and Employability Service, and the Additional Support Base will be closed tomorrow. Eric Gray @ Seafield will also be closed to service users tomorrow.
School and community games halls and Islesburgh Community Centre will also be closed tomorrow.
Power outages can reported by calling 105 or by using the PowerTrack app, which also allows tracking of faults in local areas.