UK Schools Close Due to Snow and Ice Ahead of Storm Bert’s Expected Arrival

Heavy snowfall affected multiple areas of the UK on Thursday, coinciding with meteorologists’ warnings about the impending arrival of Storm Bert over the weekend. Over 100 schools in the Scottish Highlands and 30 in north Wales ceased operations, while nearly 200 schools in Devon and Cornwall either closed entirely or partially due to the snowfall. Yellow weather advisories for snow and ice are in effect for various UK regions until Friday, with additional warnings for rain and snow anticipated to begin this weekend. This situation precedes the second named storm of the season, which is expected to deliver snow, rain, and powerful winds to certain areas of the UK on Saturday. Storm Bert, designated by Ireland’s Met Éireann, is predicted to cause additional disruption, featuring wind gusts between 40-60mph (65-96km/h). Along the coasts of the Irish Sea, gusts could reach 70mph. The Met Office issued a caution regarding potential travel disruption and flooding, indicating that sections of Wales and south-west England might experience over 100mm of rainfall. Furthermore, it issued yellow weather warnings for rain and snow for Saturday and Sunday, alongside an amber warning for snow and ice in specific areas of the Highlands, Perth and Kinross, and Angus. A yellow weather warning is currently active across a significant portion of Scotland, northern England, and parts of western and eastern England and Wales, valid until 10:00 GMT on Friday. Northern Ireland is also under a yellow warning for snow and ice, effective from 15:00 on Thursday until 10:00 on Saturday. The AA advised motorists on Thursday to consult weather forecasts prior to travel and to operate vehicles with “extreme caution.” Devon and Cornwall Police reported receiving multiple calls concerning accidents attributed to the prevailing conditions, and encouraged drivers to verify weather conditions before undertaking journeys. Several train services in the affected region were also cancelled in the aftermath of the heavy snowfall. The AA stated its expectation of a “major increase” in its operational demands. Stagecoach, a travel company, announced the suspension of bus services in Inverness to ensure the safety of both drivers and passengers. Early on Thursday morning, rain transitioned into steady snowfall over Dartmoor and Exmoor; however, as the precipitation intensified throughout the morning, significant snow accumulated even at lower altitudes. Additionally, snow was observed in areas around the New Forest and South Downs on Thursday morning. As this band of snow, sleet, and rain moves away from southern England, heavy snowfall is projected to persist in northern Scotland until Friday morning. Wintry showers are also expected to advance into north Wales and sections of north-west England later on Thursday and overnight. On Wednesday night, temperatures dropped to -10C in Tyndrum, Scotland; meanwhile, a low of -8.7C in Topcliffe, North Yorkshire, marked England’s coldest autumn night to date. Northern Ireland also experienced its coldest autumn night, recording -3.9C at Katesbridge. A significant drop in temperatures is anticipated again on Thursday night, leading to widespread frost and ice on untreated surfaces. Concurrently, the season’s inaugural amber cold weather alert has been issued for a large portion of England, remaining active until 18:00 on Saturday. This alert signifies an elevated health risk for vulnerable individuals. With the onset of colder weather, certain individuals may qualify for cold weather payments, a government benefit designed to assist with fuel expenses during periods of unusually low temperatures. Eligibility requires recipients to be already receiving specific benefits and to satisfy further criteria detailed on the government’s website. The average temperature in the relevant area must either be 0C or lower for seven consecutive days, or be predicted to remain below freezing for seven continuous days. Residents of England and Wales can ascertain their eligibility through the government’s website. In Scotland, Winter Heating Payments are accessible to individuals who fulfill the specified eligibility requirements. For those in Northern Ireland, eligibility can be verified using this checker. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding its approach to external linking is available.