As arctic weather conditions continue to grip the UK, two school bus accidents have highlighted the dangers posed by icy roads. In Kent, a school bus carrying children skidded on black ice and crashed into a ditch near Chilmington Green, Ashford, shortly after 08:00 GMT. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and all passengers were safely evacuated with the assistance of Kent Police and paramedics. The bus, operated by Stagecoach, was en route to Homewood School in Tenterden. Joel Mitchell, Stagecoach South East's managing director, praised the driver's calm and professional response during the incident.

Meanwhile, in Wokingham, a collision between a school coach and a Reading bus resulted in minor injuries to nine children and nine adults. One adult and a child were taken to Royal Berkshire Hospital for further treatment. These incidents occurred as the UK braces for further severe weather, with the Met Office extending a yellow warning for snow and ice across Scotland and northern England until midday Thursday.

Severe Weather and School Closures

Storm Goretti is expected to bring heavy snow, strong winds, and rain, affecting travel and daily life. In Scotland, over 400 schools remain closed due to snow and ice, with Aberdeenshire Council declaring a major incident earlier in the week. The Scottish government reported progress in road clearance efforts, although some rail routes and rural areas remain affected.

Temperatures are forecasted to plummet to -6°C in parts of rural Scotland, with the Met Office warning of potential snow accumulations of up to 30cm in some areas. Neil Armstrong, the Met Office's chief forecaster, described Storm Goretti as a "multi-hazard event," urging caution as the storm could lead to travel disruptions and power outages.

Impact on Transportation and Safety Measures

The Met Office has issued a yellow snow warning for much of England and Wales, effective from Thursday evening to Friday midday. An amber warning for heavy snow covers parts of Wales, the Midlands, and South Yorkshire. Strong winds with gusts up to 70mph are expected to affect southwestern areas, prompting authorities to advise caution on the roads.

In light of these conditions, Kent Fire and Rescue Service has reminded drivers to exercise extra caution, avoid sudden braking, and maintain safe distances between vehicles to prevent accidents on icy roads.