Schools closed and travel disrupted as UK sees first snow of winter

The first snowfalls of the season have seen travel disrupted and some schools closed as parts of the UK experience the first wintry weather of the season.

There are currently three yellow warnings in place for snow and ice in northern Scotland, northern England, and parts of Northern Ireland, the Midlands and north-east Wales.

Around 130 schools in the Powys, Wrexham and Flintshire areas of Wales as well as around 40 in the West Midlands have closed due to the weather.

National Rail said various Northern services could be affected until at least 14:00 GMT, while National Highways has issued an amber severe weather alert for snow in the North East and North West regions of England.

BBC Weather reported that 12cm (5in) of snow had fallen in Nottingham, with the East Midlands one of the areas subject to a Met Office warning – along with Yorkshire and the North – until 10:00 GMT.

A separate warning for Northern Ireland is in place until 11:00, while forecasters are warning of snow in northern Scotland until 10:00 on Wednesday.

The north of Scotland experienced the coldest temperatures since last winter overnight, with minus 7.8C logged in Tulloch Bridge in the Highlands.

Snow showers are likely to affect northern Scotland throughout the day. Southern parts of the UK will see a wintry mix of rain, sleet and snow as the weather system slides south-eastwards across the country, BBC Weather’s Elizabeth Rizzini said.

This could bring some snow to the Chilterns, the North and South Downs, the Weald of Kent and the hills of Wales, she added.

Temperatures in the coming days will be much lower than the mid-November average by day – and are expected to reach below freezing by night.

They are predicted to drop to -2C in London on Friday, -4C in Birmingham and -7C further north.

BBC Weather says forecasting snow is difficult at lower levels, especially in mid-November when the ground and surrounding seas are still relatively warm compared to midwinter.

By this coming weekend, forecasters are expecting the cold air to be replaced by milder south-westerly winds – with potentially wet and very windy weather sweeping in.

As the wetter weather moves northwards there remains the risk of some snow, before it quickly thaws.

Darren Clark, National Highways’ severe weather resilience manager, advised drivers: “Keep your distance and reduce your speed, because even in conditions that seem normal, and where the snow is not settling, it can be slippery if ice patches have formed, or where fresh grit has not been worked into the carriageway.”

“Drivers should plan their journeys, monitor weather reports and pack a snow kit of blankets, food, water and a shovel.”

Slippery conditions will be a hazard on untreated roads and pavements, BBC Weather also warned.

The UK health security agency (UKHSA) has said there is an increased risk to vulnerable people, warning the weather could have an impact on the whole health service.

It has issued an amber cold weather health alert for the East Midlands, West Midlands, North East, North West and Yorkshire and the Humber.

“It is vital to check in on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours to ensure they are well prepared for the onset of cold weather. Particularly if they are elderly or otherwise at increased risk,” Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said.