09 January 2024
The Tactical Co-ordination Group (TCG) convened this afternoon to discuss the impending weather conditions forecasted by Jersey Met.
As we anticipate further cold weather, including possible light snow and sleet showers for the remainder of today, tonight, and into tomorrow, we are taking proactive measures to ensure public safety and preparedness.
Weather forecast:
Intermittent showers are expected to persist, with sporadic light snow and sleet. While no significant accumulations are anticipated, these conditions may lead to wet and icy surfaces.
Cloud coverage may break at times overnight, allowing temperatures to drop below freezing (readings at 2.30pm were +0.1°C in town, -0.5°C at the airport, and concrete temperature at +0.5°C).
The moderate breeze will contribute to the chilly conditions.
Please be advised that tomorrow will remain fairly cloudy, with icy patches and temperatures remaining below freezing until at least 10am or 11am.
Tomorrow night is expected to be less severe, but a few icy patches may still occur.
Travel advisory:
Caution is advised when driving or traveling due to icy conditions.
Allow extra time for your journeys to ensure safety.
Road maintenance:
The Infrastructure and Environment team will be out from 2am on Wednesday with six salt spreaders to manage icy roads. Additionally, efforts will be concentrated on well-used footpaths and pavements in St Helier to enhance pedestrian safety. This marks the most significant use of salt spreaders since 2013.
Airport status:
Managers met today and operational teams will be at the airport at 5am tomorrow for an early inspection of the runway. They will then decide what action to take. De-icing equipment is ready, and, conditions allowing, the runway should open in time for the early departures.
The team will treat the public footpaths and gates this evening with de-icer granules to make the surfaces safe for pedestrians in the morning.
Safety precautions:
Residents are urged to dress warmly and exercise caution when outdoors.
Please remain vigilant and check on vulnerable or elderly neighbours and relatives during these cold spells.
Schools:
The responsibility regarding school openings and closures sits with headteachers, and their decision will be communicated directly with families as early as possible.
If parents or carers are not told of a closure, they should assume it will be open.
In cases where a significant or potentially disruptive amount of snow is forecast, a decision is usually taken centrally at 6am on whether to advise that schools should close.
If conditions remain unclear a decision will be made as late as 8am. This is to make sure that, if conditions do allow for schools to be open, time is allowed to make sure they are safe to do so.
It is a priority for everyone that children are able to safely attend school and continue with their learning as much as possible through disruptions of any kind.
Please visit the Jersey Met Office website for the latest weather information: www.gov.je/weather
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