Snow Way Over The Mountain Road

The Mountain Road is staying firmly off-limits until at least midday tomorrow (Wednesday, January 8), thanks to a hefty dose of snow on higher ground.

While most of the island has dodged the worst of the wintry weather, the Mountain Road has been shut since 10pm on Saturday after being blanketed in the white stuff.

The Department of Infrastructure (DoI) and Civil Defence crews have been working tirelessly to clear the route, but Mother Nature isn’t playing ball.

Sunday’s snowfall was mostly cleared by Monday, but a fresh overnight dump has undone their hard work, forcing teams back to square one.

In a statement, the DoI confirmed: ‘Following further overnight snowfall on higher ground, the A18 Mountain Road, Beinn-y-Phott Road, and Tholt-y-Will Road will remain closed until at least midday tomorrow (Wednesday, January 8).’

Snowfall on Saturday initially triggered an amber warning from the Met Office, flagging risks of travel chaos, road closures, and potential power cuts.

By Sunday, the warning was downgraded to yellow, but snow continued to cause havoc on higher ground, with a fresh 24-hour warning in place from Monday midday to Tuesday midday.

Right now, three gritters and a snow-blowing tractor are battling the Mountain Road, with plans to tackle Beinn-y-Phott and Tholt-y-Will once conditions improve.

In the meantime, DoI crews have been gritting icy roads during the early hours to keep the rest of the island moving and refilling salt bins for public use.

If you spot an empty salt bin, the DoI wants to hear from you – give them a ring on 850000, quoting the location and reference number.

And if you’re venturing out, take it slow. It’s a winter wonderland up there, but not the kind you want to get stuck in.