Warning to be prepared as icy weather forecast

People on the Isle of Man have been warned to prepare for icy weather amid forecasted wintry showers in the coming days.

Ronaldsway Met Office said scattered showers were expected on Thursday, which would likely turn wintry later in the day and overnight into Friday.

A cold spell due to arrive on Thursday morning was expected to last for about five days, forecasters said.

The Department of Infrastructure (DoI) has asked people to "take extra care when travelling and allow extra time for your journeys", and collect salt where needed to reduce ice on pavements and residential roads.

Road salt has been made available for collection from local amenity sites, but the DoI has asked people to "use this resource responsibly to help maintain safe conditions in your area".

"When spreading salt, a little goes a long way," the department said, adding that "a coffee mug full of salt is enough to cover about 10 standard footpath concrete slabs".

"More salt does not mean faster melting, but it does increase environmental harm and potential damage to surfaces," it added.

Civil Defence Isle of Man has also called on people to look out for others in the community who may need support.

"If you can, help your neighbours who may need some assistance with keeping their pathways clear," the volunteer service said.

Forecasters have said Friday's weather would be cold and breezy, with possible hail or snow, which was expected to be "frequent or heavy in places".

Although the wintry showers have been forecasted to be more isolated on Saturday, they are expected to become frequent again on Sunday.

A 10-hour yellow weather warning was in place overnight on Tuesday for ice and frost.

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