Arctic Blast Grips Britain: Schools Closed, Travel Disrupted, and Heavy Snowfall Expected

Motorists and commuters are being warned of possible disruption, as the Met Office says the UK is experiencing its first "taste of winter". Snow has started falling in parts of the country, including London, and the Met Office has issued weather alerts for snow and ice, warning of possible travel delays and disruption on roads. Power cuts and disruption to other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may also be affected by weather conditions.

Disruptions Across the Nation

The impact of this unexpected winter blast is being felt across the country. Some 58 schools have been closed in Wales, and two schools closed in Lincolnshire due to heavy snowfall. West Yorkshire is among the areas experiencing heavy snowfall this morning. National Rail reported that the weather could impact Northern Rail services in Yorkshire, and Mersey Rail warned that first services of the day would run without passengers to check lines after overnight temperatures plummeted to minus 3C.

Impact on Transportation

The Met Office issued three yellow warnings for snow and ice in northern Scotland, northern England, and parts of Northern Ireland, the Midlands, and north-east Wales. The warnings for Northern Ireland and parts of northern England, the Midlands and north-east Wales are in place until 11:00 this morning. The warning for Scotland will remain in place until 10:00 on Wednesday. National Highways issued an amber severe weather alert for snow on roads in the North East and North West, with up to 5cm of snow expected on roads including the M56 in Manchester and the M1 at Leeds and Sheffield. Rail services between Llandudno and Blaenau Ffestiniog in Wales have been suspended due to the weather, with replacement buses running.

The Severity of the Snow and Ice

The Met Office has warned that up to 20cm of snow may accumulate in the worst affected areas, with Scotland already recording the coldest temperatures since last winter. In Scotland, minus 7.8C was recorded in Tulloch Bridge, in the Scottish Highlands. Yellow weather warnings are currently in place for snow and ice across northern parts of Scotland from Monday 1600 – Wednesday 1000; across Northern Ireland from Monday 1500 – Tuesday 1000; and across northern England, North Wales and northern parts of the Midlands from Monday 1900 – Tuesday 1000. The warnings advise of the potential for significant snowfall accumulation, particularly above 300 meters. Icy surfaces are likely, even at lower levels, after skies clear overnight.

Health Concerns

In addition to the severe weather warnings, amber and yellow Cold Health Alerts have been issued by the UKHSA, which provides alerts for the health sector in England. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued a Cold Health Alert for large swathes of England running from now until Thursday, putting NHS services on notice to expect greater demand. Age UK warned that the conditions could be dangerous for vulnerable people, including the elderly. Dr Agostinho Sousa, from the UKHSA, emphasized the importance of checking in on vulnerable friends, family, and neighbours to ensure they are well prepared. Age UK director Caroline Abrahams highlighted concerns about older people cutting back on heating due to high energy bills.

Looking Ahead: A Cold and Unsettled Week

It will be a cold and unsettled week across the UK. The cold weather is expected to continue. Further snow accumulations are expected across the week, mostly by night at low levels, in northern Scotland and exposed parts elsewhere. Dan Suri, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, explained that an area of low pressure will bring heavy snow, coinciding with rush hour and leading to disruption on Tuesday morning. He also noted that it will be windy in the far south. As that front clears on Tuesday, cold northerly winds will prevail, and sub-zero wind chill is likely. Despite the cold, there will be sunshine away from wintry showers near the coasts. As the week progresses, temperatures are expected to rise, making conditions milder, wetter, and potentially much windier by the weekend. Forecasters urge checking local forecasts before travelling and checking on vulnerable family and neighbours.

Preparing for the Unexpected Winter Weather

National Highways Severe Weather Resilience Manager, Darren Clark, advises driving to the conditions, keeping a safe distance from other vehicles, and reducing speed even if conditions seem normal. He also stresses the importance of planning journeys, monitoring weather reports and packing a snow kit. The unexpected snow and ice have caused significant disruptions and highlight the importance of preparedness during periods of inclement weather. The cold weather, coupled with high energy costs, underscores the need for community support and individual vigilance to protect vulnerable populations from the risks associated with this sudden winter onslaught. Remember to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure your safety and wellbeing during this period. Stay tuned for updates.