Severe Weather and Winter Roads

Extreme weather can happen at any time of year in Orkney. A little preparation now can make a big difference when severe weather strikes.

How we treat roads and footpaths in winter

We maintain Orkney's roads from October to April to keep them as safe as possible during icy and snowy conditions. We monitor road and weather conditions around the clock and treat routes according to a priority system, because it is not possible to treat every road at the same time.

We have up to 12 gritters operating on the Orkney Mainland, and gritting machinery on all of the isles. Road treatment is a daytime service, starting at 6am and ending at 4pm for footpaths and 6pm for roads. Emergency treatment is available overnight if required.

Each day at midday, our Roads team reviews Met Office forecasts and road surface temperature data from weather stations at Kirkwall Airport and Mill of Rango in Sandwick. We pre-salt Priority 1 routes in the late afternoon to help prevent ice forming overnight.

Our gritting priority system

• Priority 1 - treated first: strategic routes and main roads between communities, roads to hospitals, fire stations and transport terminals, selected bus routes, key journey-to-work routes and known trouble spots.
• Priority 2 - treated after Priority 1 routes are complete: other principal roads, town centres, school bus routes (treated before other Priority 2 routes on school days where resources allow) and GP surgeries.
• Priority 3 - treated only if conditions are severe and likely to last: all other roads starting in the most populated areas, rural roads to shops and post offices, housing scheme roads with steep access, and remaining school bus routes on school days.

You can find the full list of priority routes in our Winter Service Map and Plan. [link]

Before you travel in wintry weather

Only travel if your journey is necessary. Before you set out, you should check the weather forecast and road conditions, allow extra time, make sure your vehicle is ready, and tell someone your destination and expected arrival time. Use main roads where possible, as these are treated first.

We recommend carrying an emergency kit in your vehicle: an ice scraper and de-icer, a shovel, a torch, warm clothing and a blanket, food and a warm drink, a first aid kit, jump leads, and a fully charged mobile phone.

Keeping footpaths clear

There is no law preventing you from clearing snow and ice from paths outside your home, shop or office. In severe weather, our staff are focused on priority routes, so any help you can give your local area is very welcome.

Some tips for clearing paths safely: never use hot water (it refreezes and makes surfaces more dangerous); wear warm clothing and footwear with good grip; think about where to put snow so it doesn't block drains or other paths; spread salt once you have cleared the area. Ordinary table salt or dishwasher salt works fine. There are self-help grit bins at various locations across Orkney - the full list is in our Winter Service Plan. If a grit bin is running low, please report it online or call us on 01856 873535.

Power cuts - call 105

If you have a power cut, you can call 105 free of charge from most landlines and mobiles, regardless of who your energy supplier is. You can also use 105 to report damage to power lines or substations. In an immediate danger situation, call 999 as well.

If you or someone in your household relies on electricity for medical care, or has a disability, chronic illness or other vulnerability, you can register for Priority Services with SSEN (Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks) and Scottish Water to receive extra support during disruptions.

Getting ready at home

We recommend putting together a home emergency kit. This could include: emergency contact numbers, a battery or wind-up torch, a battery or wind-up radio, any essential medication, a first aid kit, three days' supply of bottled water and non-perishable food, copies of important documents, and spare keys. Think about anything specific your household needs, such as pet supplies, baby food or formula.

To protect your water pipes in cold weather, make sure they are insulated and know how to turn off your water supply. Visit the Scottish Water website for further advice.

Staying informed

We use our website, social media and other channels to share updates about service disruptions, school closures and road conditions during severe weather.