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Despite a disappointingly snow-free start to the day in Guernsey, it looks like the thousands of school and College of FE pupils are getting to enjoy their "snow day" after all.
With snow falling across Guernsey from mid-morning on Thursday 1 March, the airlines serving Guernsey made the decision to cancel all commercial flight programmes for the rest of today, with Guernsey Airport closing entirely at lunchtime door until tomorrow.
Blue Islands was the first to cancel its services as it offered all passengers who were due to fly on Thursday the chance to re-book for free. Rob Veron, Blue Islands CEO, said: “Continued forecast extreme weather, including freezing rain, across the Channel Islands and our UK destinations has resulted in the complete cancellation of all Blue Islands operated services for Thursday 1 March" adding that "safety of our passengers and crew is our number one priority at all times."
He said that given the exceptional circumstances, the airline is offering free re-booking for customers due to fly today via Flybe's website.
Based on the current forecast Blue Islands said it is planning to operate its normal full schedule from tomorrow morning, Friday 2 March.
Aurigny had already offered a similar service with passengers asked to contact the airline directly. In an updated statement the airline said passengers booked on any of today’s flights can rebook onto any alternative services, up to the end of Monday, free of charge:
"The forecast shows further potential snowfall this afternoon, as well as possible freezing rain, sleet and fog patches. We sincerely apologise for the disruption, but the safety of our passengers and our staff is always our top priority.
"Passengers should not try to make their way to the airports. To rebook, you can call our Reservations staff on 01481 267267. Please bear with us as the phone lines are extremely busy. Alternative you can change your booking online and we will refund you the fees."
Aurigny is planning to operate as normal on Friday, but that is subject to the weather conditions:
"We would like to thank the travelling public for their patience and understanding. We will do our best to operate as soon as it is safe to do so. We would finally like to thank staff at Guernsey Airport, as well as our own staff, for all their hard work during these recent conditions."
Prospects are looking better for tomorrow but Guernsey Airport said it will issue an update after 18:00 regarding Friday 2 March. Alderney Airport has been closed almost continuously since Tuesday due to heavier snow fall in the island than seen elsewhere across the Channel Islands.
Given significant snow accumulations on the runway, and a cancelled programme of commercial flights for the rest of today, Guernsey and Alderney Airports will close at 1pm today. The ops team at Guernsey will continue working through to late afternoon. 1/2
— Guernsey Airport ✈ (@GuernseyAirport) March 1, 2018
The forecast is for temperatures to rise and for rain later this afternoon.
— Guernsey Airport ✈ (@GuernseyAirport) March 1, 2018
A further update will be provided at 6pm tonight in respect of prospects for tomorrow. 2/2
On the roads, Guernsey Police were continuing to warn against all but essential travel as the conditions deteriorated throughout the morning. CT Plus had to suspend most bus services before lunchtime, with only the main east coast route between Town and the Bridge remaining accessible to the buses.
Elsewhere, the emergency services have been monitoring roads across the islands. There are reports of deep snow accumulating in places, while other areas are experiencing icy patches.
As well as a number of ice patches on island roads, snow has been settling again, especially on the west coast of Guernsey, while in Alderney it is adding to the lying snow from earlier in the week.
Community spirit is showing across the islands though.
In Guernsey a taxi firm was offering free deliveries for regular elderly customers who may need some essential supplies. In Alderney the emergency services were helping with meals on wheels deliveries, while Alderney's States Works staff were manually clearing footpaths through St Anne's.
Elsewhere, children were starting to enjoy the snow which had forced their schools and nurseries to remain closed for a third day running.
Ray Mauger was enjoying the snow fall with granddaughter Isabella (2):
"My memories after today on the snow will be seeing all the different wild birds in the garden, playing snowball fights with Izzy in the garden and both of us having a cup of tea in the shed watching a beautiful robin in the snow."
Older children are making the most of the snow after being disappointed earlier in the day when they woke up to barely a smattering of the white stuff. Veronica (14) and Megan (11) found enough snow to play with in St Peter Port.
Pictured top: Nadine (14) playing in St Peter Port
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