Snow and ice shut schools as Storm Bert looms
Several parts of the UK have seen heavy snowfall on Thursday as forecasters warn of a storm at the weekend.
A yellow weather warning for snow and icy conditions is in place for much of north and west Scotland until midday, and another for snow will remain in place until 15:00 GMT in parts of south-west England.
More than 60 schools across the Highlands and 30 in north Wales have closed, while around 100 in Devon and Cornwall have closed, partially closed or are opening later in the morning due to the snow.
This comes as the second named storm of the season – Storm Bert – is set to bring snow, rain and strong winds to parts of the UK on Saturday.
Storm Bert, named by by Ireland’s Met Éireann, is forecast to bring further disruption with heavy snowfall and rain, with wind gusts of up to 70mph (112.7km/h) expected in some areas.
The AA warned motorists to check forecasts before setting out on the road and to drive with “extreme caution”.
Devon and Cornwall Police said it had received numerous calls about collisions due to the conditions, and urged drivers to check the weather before travelling.
A number of train services were also cancelled in the area following the heavy snow.
The AA said it predicted a “major increase” in its workload.
Rain turned to steady snowfall over Dartmoor and Exmoor early on Thursday morning but as this turned heavier during the morning, heavy snow fell even at lower elevations.
Snow also fell for some around the New Forest and South Downs on Thursday morning.
While this area of snow, sleet and rain clears from southern England, heavy snow will continue in northern Scotland through into Friday morning.
Wintry showers will also move into north Wales and parts of north-west England later on Thursday and through the night.
Temperatures fell to -10C in Tyndrum, Scotland, on Wednesday night, but with a low of -8.7C in Topcliffe, North Yorkshire, it was England’s coldest night of the autumn so far.
It was also the coldest night of autumn in Northern Ireland with -3.9C at Katesbridge.
Temperatures will fall sharply again on Thursday night with a widespread frost and ice on untreated surfaces.
An earlier yellow warning for ice covering most of Scotland, the East and West Midlands, the East, north-east and north-west of England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Yorkshire had been in place from Wednesday until 1000 Thursday.
On Wednesday, nearly 100 schools and nurseries were shut in Scotland as well as almost 50 in Wales and at least 30 in England due to frosty conditions.
The RAC said on Wednesday it had seen a sharp rise in breakdowns, mostly due to people’s batteries failing in the cold.
