Schools closed and flights cancelled as warnings for snow and ice in force
Amber weather warnings were in place in parts of Scotland forecasting ‘heavy snow’ and travel disruption.
Hundreds of schools have been shut and flights cancelled as weather warnings remain in force with snow bringing disruption.
Amber weather warnings were in place for snow until 10am in parts of Scotland, forecasting “heavy snow” and travel disruption, while yellow warnings for snow and ice still cover parts of the UK.
A number of schools across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are shut on Monday, while flights have been cancelled and some train lines are also affected.
Loch Glascarnoch in the Scottish Highlands has seen 34cm of snow, while Dyce in Aberdeenshire and Altnaharra, Sutherland, recorded 27cm, the Met Office said.
Sennybridge in Powys had 19cm, Castlederg in Co Tyrone saw 9cm, and Bridlington in East Yorkshire recorded 6cm.
The amber warnings covered Aberdeen, Aviemore in the Cairngorms, and Ullapool, Ross-shire.
The warnings covered much of the Highlands and Aberdeenshire areas, Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Hebridean Islands, from Sunday evening until 10am on Monday.
Separate yellow warnings for snow and ice were in force for much of the UK, with some ending on Monday morning leaving warnings for much of Scotland north of Glasgow, parts of Wales and the south-west, and east England stretching up to the Scottish Borders still in place.
Amber weather warnings are issued when there is an increased likelihood of impacts from severe weather, including the possibility of travel delays, road and rail closures, power cuts and the potential risk to life and property.
Yellow warnings are issued for a range of weather situations, including when it is likely that the weather will cause some low level impacts, including some disruption to travel in a few places, or when the weather could bring much more severe impacts to the majority of people but the certainty of those impacts occurring is much lower, according to the Met Office.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber cold health alerts for England as an early warning that adverse temperatures are likely to affect health and wellbeing, running until Friday.
The lowest temperatures recorded overnight were minus 10.9C in Shap, Cumbria, minus 10.3C in Sennybridge, Powys, and minus 9.9C in Bala, Gwynedd, according to the Met Office.
Schools in Shetland, Orkney, the Western Isles, Aberdeenshire and many in Moray are shut on Monday. Some across parts of England, Wales and Northern Ireland are also closed.
In Wales, train services are disrupted between Llandudno Junction and Blaenau Ffestiniog, between Machynlleth and Pwllheli and between Wales and Manchester Piccadilly via Shrewsbury/Crewe, National Rail said.
Train services in northern Scotland will be disrupted until the end of the day on Tuesday, National Rail said. Stations north of Edinburgh will not be served by LNER until 2pm on Monday, and there will be no ScotRail services on routes between Dundee and Aberdeen; Aberdeen/Elgin and Inverness; and Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh/Wick, until at least midday.
Eurostar advised passengers travelling between London and the Netherlands to postpone their journey as services are unable to operate beyond Brussels due to the weather in the Netherlands.
All trains scheduled to depart from the Netherlands cannot run, a spokesperson added.
The Met Office warned that people living in the regions covered by the amber weather warning could expect travel disruption, and that rural communities could become cut off.
Loganair cancelled flights from Aberdeen and Inverness airports following heavy snowfall.
Liverpool John Lennon Airport posted on X on Monday at 8am to say the runway was closed due to wintry conditions and some flights were “subject to delay and there have been some cancelations”.
Both City of Derry Airport and Belfast International Airport said there had been a number of cancellations or delays on Monday.
Police travel advice has been issued following the weather warnings for snow across north and north-east Scotland.
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell: “The forecasted heavy snow showers and ice means driving conditions are likely to be hazardous in some areas.
“Our advice is to plan ahead and consider if your journey is really necessary during the weather warnings.
“We continue to work with partners to help our communities impacted by the adverse weather.
“If you need to travel, please drive to the conditions, be prepared for delays and allow extra time for your journey.
“Please don’t drive through road closures, the decision to close roads is not taken lightly and is done for public safety.”
The AA said there has been a 40% spoke in AA callouts compared to a typical Monday.
The RAC issued advice to those planning to drive during the wintry weather.
Spokesman Rod Dennis said: “Drivers must take extreme care, especially those using roads that haven’t been gritted, and should consider delaying their journeys until conditions improve.
“For those making essential trips, allow extra time to fully de-ice and de-mist your vehicle and leave plenty of space behind the vehicle in front and reduce your speed to give yourself more time to stop.
“If you do break down, being prepared is vital. Make sure you have warm, waterproof clothing, sturdy footwear, a hot drink in a flask, and a power bank to keep your phone charged.”
