The UK is bracing for severe weather disruptions as heavy snow and ice lead to widespread school closures and travel disruptions across the country. The Met Office has issued multiple weather warnings, including amber alerts for snow affecting major regions.
According to reports, the extensive coverage of snow has impacted areas such as the East Midlands, North East England, North West England, and Yorkshire & Humber. This amber warning is set to last from 21:00 GMT on Saturday until 23:59 GMT on Sunday, indicating the potential for significant travel challenges. Meanwhile, yellow warnings for snow and ice encompass many other parts of the UK, including Wales and Northern Ireland.
Over the weekend, the cold snap resulted in numerous schools shutting their doors. More than 70 schools, particularly across the north east of Scotland, remained closed due to heavy snow accumulating over the Christmas break. Hundreds of schools across Yorkshire and Lancashire also confirmed they would stay shut for the first day back after the holiday, leaving many families scrambling for alternative arrangements. Durham County Council stated it expected affected schools to reopen on Tuesday.
Reports suggest around 45 schools closed down across Staffordshire due to the increased snow cover, with the staff struggling to reach their workplaces. Dr. Mark Poulson, the deputy chief medical officer of the University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, remarked on the delivery of staff to hospitals via 4x4 vehicles due to related disruptions.
The impact of this severe weather was felt beyond educational institutions. Significant travel delays were experienced at major airports, including Manchester which faced runway closures. The airport had to ground flights multiple times as snow accumulation rendered runways unusable. Hundreds of passengers at Liverpool and Birmingham airports also faced similar challenges as heavy snow forced closures.
Heavy rainfall and flooding presented additional havoc as more than 100 flood warnings were issued across England, especially for areas like Lincolnshire and Leicestershire. Here, rescue operations were launched as dozens were stranded due to rising waters. For example, the Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service intervened to rescue 59 people during major flood incidents, highlighting the alarming scale of the weather's impact.
Residents detailed their harrowing experiences, such as Shân Dobinson from Wolston, Warwickshire, who reported being stranded on the upper floor of her home with floodwaters swallowing the first floor. She described the situation as dire, noting, “It’s now thigh-deep where our cars were.”
Emergency services were stretched thin, responding to hundreds of calls, and the situation was dangerously exacerbated by falling temperatures. Notably, the cold snap reached as low as -11°C (12°F) across parts of Scotland.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed his sympathy for those affected, stating, “My thoughts are with all those affected and my thanks to responders working hard to keep communities safe.” He acknowledged the nations' challenges brought on by severe weather and pledged government assistance for flood defenses during future extreme weather events.
The Environment Agency had more than 200 alerts across England and Wales, indicating both potential flooding, and the gravity of the current weather conditions carries forward. For communities at risk, every effort is being made to provide assistance, with public services urged to remain vigilant.
Weather forecasting indicates the threat of continued sporadic snow, particularly across southern counties where another warning is anticipated as the week progresses. Travel advisories are active, urging drivers to exercise caution and explore alternative routes if necessary.
The unprecedented situation serves as a reminder of the climatic shifts contributing to such extreme weather conditions as observed this winter. With significant challenges continuously arising from adverse conditions, communities gear down for the upcoming months, increasingly aware of the unpredictability of winter weather.
Individuals are encouraged to report their experiences and seek support if caught up by flooding or severe travel disruptions. Efforts to prepare well for any future incidents are underway, as this situation demonstrates the harm and disruptions weather extremes can inflict on everyday life.