The UK is grappling with severe winter weather as snow and ice warnings continue to affect large parts of the country. The Met Office has issued yellow and amber alerts, predicting further snow and freezing conditions that have already led to widespread school closures and travel disruptions.

School Closures and Weather Alerts

Across the UK, hundreds of schools have been forced to close due to hazardous conditions. In Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Council reported closures at 10 schools, while similar situations unfolded in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. The Met Office has warned that the cold snap, driven by Arctic air, is not expected to ease soon, with yellow and amber warnings in place until later in the week.

Travel Disruptions

The severe weather has heavily impacted travel, with significant disruptions reported on roads and railways. Eurostar has suspended services to the Netherlands, advising passengers to postpone their journeys. In Scotland, Network Rail is working to clear snowdrifts blocking lines, while flights at Liverpool John Lennon Airport were temporarily grounded due to snow and ice.

Health and Safety Concerns

The UK Health Security Agency has issued amber cold weather alerts, highlighting potential health risks from the freezing temperatures. The agency advises the public to take precautions, particularly vulnerable groups who may be more affected by the cold.

Regional Impacts

Scotland and northern England have been particularly hard-hit, with Loch Glascarnoch in the Scottish Highlands recording 34cm of snow. In Aberdeenshire and Sutherland, snow depths have reached 27cm. First Minister John Swinney praised the community efforts to keep roads clear and services running, emphasizing the importance of planning ahead and staying informed about weather conditions.