A 'snow-tal' disappointment

Thursday 01 March 2018

Excited children were met with a different sight than they may have expected when looking outside this morning.

The red weather warning, which came with a forecast of up to 15cm of snowfall never materialised, with no additional snowfall in the north of the island and only a light smattering in the higher parishes.

The Met Office has explained the sudden change in today's weather pattern, describing "warm air pushing up from the south" meaning the snow fell elsewhere. Forecasters have issued an orange snow warning for the remainder of the day though which means "light to moderate snow fall" is likely. 

It is now predicted that there will either be light snow showers into this afternoon, or the potential for freezing rain, which could create black ice on the island's roads and worsen driving conditions.

Early contingency plans put in place yesterday - when the island was still expecting to be snowed in - mean all of the island's schools and College of Further Education sites have remained closed for today. Guernsey Airport was also planned to be closed until 11:30, however as of 09:40 the management said it would review the situation and may open at 10:00. A number of other businesses have also closed today, including all Creaseys and Marks & Spencers stores.

Bus routes are running while the weather and roads remains clear.

Guernsey Police have still advised people to stay at home other than for non-essential journeys however, as there is still the potential for snow to come later.

Tomorrow's forecast is for the temperature to rise to around 9 degrees and for it to rain, meaning today is the last real chance for any snow to fall on Guernsey this week.