Arenal d’en Castell. Snow at sea level on the north coast beach - Eric Weller

Arenal d’en Castell. Snow at sea level on the north coast beach - Eric Weller

C.M.W.Maó15/02/10 0:00
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Residents were treated to an unusual view of Menorca on Friday after the snow which started during the day on Thursday, and continued through the night, settled, turning the island's countryside into a beautiful winter wonderland.


Despite a quick response by the authorities some roads were partially closed, due in one case to a lorry which had skidded and in another to a fallen tree. Around 50 people worked practically non-stop for 24 hours to clear the snow from the roads using vehicles from construction sites and farms, plus 40 tons of salt.


Air Nostrum cancelled two of its flights on Thursday night, one from Madrid and one due to leave for Palma, although Vueling and Air Europa operated normally.


Around 60% of secondary school pupils failed to show up for classes, but at primary school level attendance varied from 82% to 100%.


Temperatures of -1.1 degrees were registered in both Maó and Ciutadella breaking records which had stood for 40 years in the first case and 20 in the second. However, the coldest place on the island on Thursday was Binissafúller at -2 degrees centigrade.