Schools across the United Kingdom have been forced to shut their doors and travel has been thrown into chaos as a severe cold snap brings heavy snow and freezing temperatures.
Met Office Issues Amber Warning for Snow
The Met Office has issued a fresh amber weather warning for snow, covering parts of Scotland including Aberdeen, Aviemore in the Cairngorms, and Ullapool in Ross-shire. The forecaster warns of 'frequent heavy snow' which could deposit an additional 20-30cm on higher ground and 5-10cm at lower levels. This amber alert is active until 10am on Monday.
Much of Scotland is also under a broader yellow warning for snow and ice, encompassing the Highlands, Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Hebridean Islands. Further yellow warnings for snow and ice are in place for Wales, Greater Manchester, parts of south-west England, and much of the east coast for ice.
Widespread Travel and School Disruption
The wintry conditions have caused significant disruption. Loganair cancelled flights from Aberdeen and Inverness airports following heavy snowfall. Police in Scotland have urged the public to avoid travel where possible.
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell advised: 'The forecasted heavy snow showers and ice mean driving conditions are likely to be hazardous in some areas. Our advice is to plan ahead and consider if your journey is really necessary.'
The Met Office has warned that rural communities risk being cut off, mobile phone coverage could be impacted, and significant travel disruption on roads, rail, and in the air is likely.
Confirmed School Closures for Monday 5th January
Numerous local authorities have confirmed closures for Monday. Parents are advised to check their local council website for the very latest information.
In Scotland:
- All schools and nurseries run by Aberdeenshire Council are closed.
- All schools in the Shetland Isles are closed.
- Schools and Early Learning Care provisions in Aberdeen will not open until 11am, with breakfast clubs cancelled.
In Wales, confirmed closures include:
Carmarthenshire: Ammanford Nursery, Ysgol Blaenau, Ysgol Bro Banw, Llanedi School, Ysgol Llangadog, Parcyrhun County Primary, Rhydaman Community Primary, Ysgol Gymraeg Teilo Sant, and Tycroes School.
Gwynedd: Ysgol Y Moelwyn, Ysgol Syr Hugh Owen, Ysgol Friars Uchaf, Ysgol Tregarth, Ysgol Bodfeurig, Ysgol Dyffryn Ogwen, all sites of Ysgol Bro Idris, Ysgol Tryfan, Ysgol Y Felinheli (morning), Ysgol Bro Lleu, Ysgol Brynrefail, and Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle.
Isle of Anglesey: Ysgol David Hughes.
Neath Port Talbot: Cefn Saeson Comprehensive School, Llangatwg Community School, Ysgol Hendrefelin.
A Met Office spokesperson stated: 'Heavy snow showers will become more frequent and may merge to give longer spells of snow at times. The areas and period covered by this warning are when the heaviest and most disruptive snow is thought most likely.'
