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Around 100 schools across Scotland have shut their doors as heavy snowfall and freezing conditions grip large parts of the UK. The Met Office has issued an amber warning for North East England and Yorkshire, where up to 25cm of snow could accumulate by tonight.
The closures on Thursday hit Aberdeenshire particularly hard, with more than 90 schools affected. Seven schools closed in the Highlands, while many others delayed opening times due to treacherous conditions on roads and pavements.
Cold Arctic air has taken firm control of the UK's weather, bringing what forecasters describe as the first notable cold snap of autumn. Yellow warnings for snow and ice remain active across multiple regions until 11:59pm tonight.
Travel chaos across affected regions
The A90 in Aberdeen was forced to close in both directions between Cleanhill roundabout and Stonehaven roundabout on Thursday morning. Many vehicles became stuck in snow, prompting police to advise motorists to avoid the area entirely.
National Rail urged commuters to check their journeys before traveling, warning that speed restrictions could lead to cancellations and delays across the network.
Shaun Jones from the AA said: «When snow and ice hit, the roads can quickly become treacherous. Stopping distances can increase tenfold on icy surfaces, so slowing down and leaving plenty of space is absolutely vital.»
School closures spread south
The disruption extended beyond Scotland. In Northumberland and County Durham, multiple schools closed, including Shotton Primary, Broomhill Primary, and The Duchess's Community High School.
Cornwall also saw at least eight schools either close completely or delay opening times. Beacon Academy, Bodmin College, and three other schools shut for the day, while seven more opened late due to icy conditions.
Health warnings issued
The UK Health Security Agency issued an amber Cold-Health Alert for Yorkshire and Humber, the North West, and North East England.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: «This is the first prolonged cold spell of the season, and it is therefore vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable. The forecasted temperatures can have a serious impact on the health of some people, leading to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections, particularly for individuals over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions.»
What to expect
Met Office chief forecaster Neil Armstrong explained the conditions: «Cold Arctic air from the north is firmly in charge of the UK's weather, bringing the first notable cold snap of this autumn and giving an early taste of winter weather. As a result, winter hazards are likely through the next few days, with snow and ice a particular hazard, and the coldest conditions likely on Wednesday and Thursday.»
The Met Office warned that in amber warning areas, frequent wintry showers would bring significant snow accumulations. «By the end of Thursday, as much as 15-25 cm may have accumulated on hills above 100m elevation, which is likely to cause substantial disruption. Gusty winds, giving occasional blizzard conditions, and perhaps a few lightning strikes, may accompany some of the showers, posing as additional hazards,» the forecaster said.
Temperatures plummeted to -6C overnight in Spadeadam, Cumbria. Scotland could see lows of -12C on Friday in areas with lying snow.
Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said: «Thursday will be a sunny day for most, but there will be further sleet and snow showers for coastal stretches which will filter a little inland too. Heavy across north-east England in particular.»
Rural communities face the risk of being cut off, while power cuts and disrupted mobile phone signals remain possible in the worst-affected areas.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
