Schools closed, flights cancelled as severe winter hits UK

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - Snowfall and icy conditions have forced the closure of hundreds of schools across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, while travel disruption has affected large parts of the UK, according to reports by British media.

Amber weather warnings for heavy snow are in force in northern Scotland, with less severe yellow warnings for snow and ice covering much of the rest of the country, according to national meteorological service Met Office.

Roads have become impassable in some areas, with train services and flights cancelled.

Matthew Lehnert, a Met Office chief meteorologist, said the severe conditions are coinciding with the first full working week of the year.

“As we begin the first full working week of the year, we face a range of winter weather hazards with snow showers and ice,” he said. “In the north of Scotland, snow showers are expected to become more frequent on Sunday night with some locations within the Amber warning areas seeing a further 20-30 cm accumulate by Monday morning.”

He added that conditions elsewhere in the UK would remain challenging.

“Elsewhere in the UK, snow showers, ice and frost are expected at times but milder air will make attempts to spread eastward from Tuesday. This will mean rain becomes more likely in the south, but there is also the possibility of more organized snow along the boundary of the mild and cold airmasses. Strong winds could also be a feature later in the week," he noted.

The cold weather has also prompted health warnings. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber cold health alerts for England until Jan.6.

Agostinho Sousa, head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, urged people to look out for those at risk.

“As the colder weather sets in it is vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable,” he said.

“The forecast temperatures can have a serious impact on the health of some people, leading to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections, particularly for individuals over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions.”