Back to school tomorrow...probably!

Thursday 01 March 2018

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All schools will reopen tomorrow, unless unexpected snow falls overnight, the Education Department has confirmed.

Liberty Bus will also be resuming its school bus service as weather conditions are set to improve - but parents have been warned to take extra care on their journey to school tomorrow.

A spokesperson for the Education Department said: "In view of the latest weather forecasts, we are expecting all schools to reopen tomorrow. At the Emergency Planning meeting this morning we were told that conditions will improve and the temperature could rise to 8 degrees tomorrow. Very little snow is expected and the precipitation will turn to rain or sleet. In view of this, LibertyBus have confirmed that they expect schools buses to be operating their usual service."

The Department advised parents, "to take extra care on their journeys" as there might still be be some icy patches on roads and pavements. "Some people could arrive slightly late but it’s more important that they arrive safely."

If conditions change and unexpected snow falls overnight, the Department said they will make an announcement at 06:00 via their social media page and the main media outlets. 

Jersey schools will reopen tomorrow - Friday 2nd March. The weather is due to improve, the temperatures are rising and the school buses will be running. pic.twitter.com/mQQAlX02jI

— Jersey Education (@JerseyEducation) March 1, 2018

The Health and Social Services Department (HSSD) also confirmed it would resume normal operations tomorrow morning. All inpatient and outpatient appointments are scheduled to proceed as normal, at the General Hospital and all outlying sites, including those at St Saviour’s and Westmount/Overdale. The Patient Transport Service will be fully operational, and Day Centres will also operate as normal.

While the snow spread wasn't quite what everyone expected, icy conditions certainly caused road closures and cancelled flights.

Blue Islands decided to cancel all flights today. Based on the current forecast, they plan to operate their normal full schedule tomorrow. 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 1 March. Safety of our passengers and crew is our number one priority at all times."

Mr Veron said that given "the exceptional circumstances," the company would offer free re-booking for customers due to fly today via flybe.com/flight-info. 

Pictured: A view of Jersey Airport.

The snow and ice caused several disruptions on Liberty Bus routes with the number 4 and 21, up Trinity Hill and to Maufant Village respectively, cancelled. More disruptions were reported around lunchtime as conditions worsened as forecast. Access to St. Catherine was prevented by "heavy ice" and several stops had to be missed due to congestion on the road. Route 9 also had to be diverted up Beaumont Hill due to heavy snow on La Haule Hill.

The Police closed several lanes in St. John due to icy conditions. St. Saviour's Hill was also closed due "to snow compacting into black ice," while Queen's Road was described as "impassable." 

Video: Snow in St. John. (Gary Grimshaw)

While roads had been gritted or salted, Police warned that it only made them "passable," not safe. They urged islanders to avoid driving if their journey was not essential, adding that roads as well as pavements were extremely slippery and dangerous. 

We are getting reports in that roads on hills are quite dangerous and you will probably get into difficulty if driving on them, please drive safely and avoid driving it all possible.

— States of Jsy Police (@JerseyPolice) March 1, 2018

The Police also warned drivers that tow companies would not be able to tow cars stuck in ice.

We've just had a head's up that some tow companies are now not able to tow cars away if they are stuck on the ice. Even 4x4 vehicles are struggling. You can call them for assistance, they will attend and help to move cars to a safe place but they are unable to tow. #CIsnow

— States of Jsy Police (@JerseyPolice) March 1, 2018

They also issued some advice for walkers venturing outside to help them keep their balance.

The weather conditions also led Jersey Heritage to close both the Archive and the Museum at 13:00. All of Jersey Youth Service youth clubs have been also been cancelled for tonight. Several shops in town also closed their doors early to allow staff members to go home safely.

All youth clubs around the Island will be closed tonight. we will review tomorrow about Friday night opening. stay safe.

— Jersey Youth Service (@JsyYouthService) March 1, 2018