As the UK grapples with a relentless cold snap, fresh weather warnings have been issued, painting a frosty picture for many. Yellow alerts for ice blanket vast areas of the country on Thursday and Friday, signaling potential travel disruptions and school closures.
From 4 PM Thursday to 10 AM Friday, the majority of Wales and Northern Ireland, along with significant stretches of eastern England, will be on high alert. A separate warning for southern and western Wales extending down to Plymouth will be in effect from 3 AM to 11 AM tomorrow.
The Met Office has cautioned residents to be vigilant of icy patches on untreated roads, pavements, and cycle paths, as scattered wintry showers continue to sweep through. In Scotland, a yellow warning for snow and ice has been extended until 10 AM Friday, underscoring the severity of the situation.
Travel chaos has ensued, with Manchester Airport temporarily shutting both runways due to “significant levels of snow” before later reopening. However, passengers are advised to check with their airlines, as at least 14 departures and five arrivals have faced cancellation.
In Wales, Transport for Wales has suspended some rail lines owing to track damage from the severe weather, with bus replacements in effect between Llandudno Junction and Blaenau Ffestiniog. Meanwhile, flooding has forced Great Western Railway to close the line between Liskeard and Looe in Cornwall, adding to the transportation woes.
Schools are not immune to the weather’s impact, with hundreds closing in Scotland and around 90 in Wales. The Met Office recorded a bone-chilling low of minus 11.2°C in Shap, Cumbria, with forecasts hinting at temperatures plummeting as low as minus 16°C.
As the cold snap tightens its grip, motorists are urged to stick to well-groomed major roads, as rural routes can hide dangerous black ice. RAC spokeswoman Alice Simpson warns of the perils of driving in these conditions, emphasizing the need for caution.
The UK Health Security Agency has extended its cold weather health alert for England until Sunday, with amber alerts now running until January 12. The agency warns that the prolonged cold could increase health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.
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