Snow and freezing weather to disrupt UK travel plans

Power cuts, icy roads and school closures mark the first significant snowfall of the season in the UK

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Freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall have continued to cause significant disruptions across the UK, with travel delays, school closures, and health warnings in place.

The first major snowfall of the season has prompted yellow weather warnings for ice and snow, with new alerts announced for Thursday and the weekend, BBC reported.

Temperatures dropped to as low as -7.8°C in the Grampians, Scotland, and -7°C in Shap, Cumbria.

A file photo of snow in London. PHOTO: AFP

Further snow is expected to fall in northern Scotland, north Wales, and parts of the Midlands in the coming days. Yellow warnings have been issued for much of the UK, including areas in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the North of England.

More than 200 schools were closed across the UK on Tuesday, and further closures are expected as conditions worsen. Nearly 100 schools in Scotland, 50 in Wales, and 30 in England were affected by the frosty conditions.

A sharp rise in breakdowns has been reported, with many drivers experiencing issues with car batteries due to the cold. The RAC has urged motorists to be prepared for breakdowns and carry essential items such as blankets, warm clothing, and mobile charging devices.

Transport networks have also faced significant disruption. National Rail advised passengers to check their journeys before travelling, as several routes were delayed or cancelled. Transport for Wales reported that 13% of its services were affected by the snow and ice.

Train services were suspended in parts of North Wales, while road closures were reported in North Yorkshire and Aberdeenshire due to the dangerous conditions.

In Cornwall, a person was hospitalised following a four-vehicle crash caused by icy roads.

The Met Office has predicted colder-than-average temperatures for the coming days, with temperatures falling below freezing at night.

London is expected to see temperatures drop to -2°C on Friday, while northern areas will experience lows of -7°C. The cold snap is set to continue through the weekend, with heavy snow expected in parts of Scotland, northern England, and the Midlands.

An amber cold weather alert has been issued for much of England, warning of an increased health risk to vulnerable people.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has urged the public to check on elderly and vulnerable individuals. The alert is in place until Saturday, with cold weather payments available for eligible individuals to help with fuel costs during this extreme weather.

With winter weather set to persist, the government is urging residents to take precautions, stay informed about weather warnings, and be prepared for possible disruptions.