Widespread snow and ice have significantly disrupted travel across the UK, resulting in the closure of hundreds of schools. Regions affected include Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
School Closures Due to Severe Weather
Schools throughout Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have remained closed due to an Arctic blast. In Scotland, areas such as Aberdeenshire, Shetland, and Orkney have experienced extended closures post-Christmas break. However, some schools in Aberdeen City are set to reopen where staff live nearby.
- Regions with school closures in Scotland: Aberdeenshire, Shetland, Orkney
- Wales: Gwynedd, Anglesey, Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend County, Caerphilly, Pembrokeshire
- Northern Ireland: More than 170 schools
Travel Disruptions Across the UK
Travel has been severely hindered by the weather conditions. Flights were grounded at Liverpool John Lennon Airport due to snow and ice on the runway. Emily Ashall, a passenger, faced cancellation of her flight to Berlin after boarding.
Belfast International Airport and City of Derry Airport have also suspended operations for runway clearing. Eurostar services are similarly affected, advising passengers to postpone journeys to the Netherlands.
Train Services Impacted
Train travel, particularly in northern Scotland, is facing disruptions. Network Rail Scotland cites “exceptionally deep snow” as a challenge for snow ploughs. LNER has advised customers traveling between Edinburgh and Aberdeen to delay travel until Tuesday afternoon.
Similarly, delays are reported for services between Wales and Manchester Piccadilly and on routes from Llandudno Junction to Blaenau Ffestiniog.
Public Safety Measures
Due to hazardous conditions, Stagecoach has suspended all bus services in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. This move aims to ensure safety for drivers and passengers alike.
Cold Weather Payments Activated
As temperatures plummet, cold weather payments have been activated for those on certain benefits across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Eligible households will receive £25 for each seven-day period during which the average temperature is recorded at or forecasted to be 0°C or below. Payments will be processed within 14 days.
Forecast and Ongoing Warnings
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning across many parts of Scotland, indicating that further snow showers are expected. A cold snap is anticipated to persist, particularly affecting regions exposed to northern winds.
