Isle of Man Mountain Road closed due to snowfall

Snowfall overnight has led to the closure of the main route between the Isle of Man's capital and the north, but most roads can be used by motorists, police have confirmed.

The Isle of Man Constabulary said the A18 Mountain Road was closed due to the conditions, but "most roads across the island were clear or passable with care".

A weather warning for snow has been downgraded from amber to yellow as the "risk of significant snow at lower levels has now passed", forecasters said.

Ronaldsway Met Office said further rain or sleet with hill snow could be expected on Sunday, "before petering out overnight", with the warning remaining in place until 03:00 GMT on Monday.

The police confirmed the Sloc was also closed due to snowfall but said "arterial routes and most roads across the island are clear or passable with care, thanks largely to pre-treatment by our colleagues in the Department of Infrastructure".

The department said teams had "worked hard overnight" to grit the island's roads and would continue to work on them throughout the day.

Civil Defence Isle of Man confirmed snow had fallen on the western side of the island and over high ground and encouraged motorists to "drive to the conditions".

There was some flight disruption at the island's airport earlier, as heavy snow overnight meant runways had to close at Manchester and Liverpool airports, but they have since reopened.

Buses have been running on a Sunday schedule as expected, and Isle of Man Steam Packet ferry services to Liverpool and Heysham have been unaffected.

Forecasters have also issued a yellow weather warning for coastal overtopping until 17:00, because of concerns over high waves hitting Ramsey Promenade and parts of Douglas Promenade.

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