Mountain Road closed as ice warning extended

The A18 Mountain Road was closed overnight as the conditions deteriorated

The main route between the north of the Isle of Man and its capital remains closed due to snow and ice.

Police said the A18 Mountain Road had been shut "in its entirety" overnight amid freezing conditions and would stay closed "until further notice".

Drivers have also been warned of icy patches on lower roads in other parts of the island.

Ronaldsway Met Office has extended its yellow weather warning for ice, initially in place until 10:00 GMT, until 15:00 on Friday.

An Isle of Man Constabulary spokesperson said road users should allow extra time for journeys due to the conditions.

"Motorcycles are having more difficulty than other vehicles and we would ask you to consider the most appropriate means of transport if you have the option," the spokesperson said.

A weather warning for the continuation of the conditions has been put in place until Friday afternoon

Bus Vannin also warned that the Mountain Road closure had led to heavy traffic on the lower roads, which meant some services were subject to delays.

However, ferry services between the island and Heysham have resumed after cancellations on Tuesday evening due to rough conditions in the Irish Sea.

Issuing the extended weather warning, forecasters said there would be "icy patches over the hills all day, with any lying snow tending to remain".

Ice was also possible on any roads that remained damp or wet at all levels in the evenings and overnight, along with a risk of icy conditions in areas that remained in the shade through the day, the Met Office said.

Conditions were expected to become milder on Friday afternoon as cloud cover increased, with rain due in the afternoon, it added.