Snow LIVE: UK weather updates as school closures and travel disruption hit country again

Brits face hazardous rush-hour commutes today following deluges of snow [1] and the build-up of thick icy patches [2]. The Met Office [3] has in place a yellow warning for ice for much of southern England, the Midlands and eastern Wales from 5pm on Tuesday to 10am on Wednesday. Five other weather warnings for the rest of the country, including most of the North Sea coastline, concern snow and ice.

Some schools are expected to shut again today following the closures of more than 200 on Tuesday due to the weather [4]. The Mirror will continue to update its school closures coverage. Roads will be difficult to navigate, especially on higher ground, and trains may once again face be cancelled because of the snow and ice [5].

Stephen Dixon, a spokesman for the Met Office, previously said: "We've had a fairly mild November so far. So it'll feel like that first taste of winter for many with that snow and ice risk layered on top... It only takes a couple of centimetres on lower ground to cause some level of travel disruption."

Some 12cm of snow was recorded at Watnall, Nottinghamshire, on Tuesday morning as an Arctic airmass influenced the UK's weather. Similar levels are expected in some areas today, it is believed.

09:48Tim Hanlon

National Express coach slips on icy road

In Nottingham, a National Express coach [6] was seen slipping backwards down a busy road before a large crowd got behind it and managed to bring it to a halt before any damage was caused. The National Express coach going on the 450 route is believed to have been heading from London to Mansfield when it got into difficulty in the wintry conditions.

So far there have not been any reports of injuries. Click here [7] to09:26Chiara Fiorillo

In pictures: Wintery sunrise

This photo shows the sun rising over a frozen landscape in Kirklington, Nottinghamshire. Temperatures plummeted to -5C overnight, forecasters said.

The sun rises of the frozen village of Kirklington, Nottinghamshire, this morning (Tom Maddick / SWNS)09:03Chiara Fiorillo

Which schools are closed today?

Some schools across the UK will be closed again today as cold weather conditions continue.

The following schools have announced closures:

Orion Academy, Oxford
Alford Academy, Aberdeenshire
Alford Primary School, Aberdeenshire
Auchterless School, Aberdeenshire
Crudie School, Aberdeenshire
Drumblade School, Aberdeenshire
Gordon Schools, Aberdeenshire
Kennethmont School, Aberdeenshire
Rhynie School, Aberdeenshire
Towie School, Aberdeenshire
Turriff Academy, Aberdeenshire
Beacon hill Academy, Dudley
Dormston school, Dudley
Jessons Primary, Dudley
Bishop Milner, Dudley
Alder Coppice Primary School, Dudley
Old Park School, Dudley
Halesowen C of E Primary School, Dudley
Sir Alexander Fleming Primary School, Madeley
St Patricks Catholic Primary School, Madeley
St Peters C of E Primary School, Madeley
Limerick Educate Together Secondary School, Limerick
Haughton School, Telford
Dawley C of E School, Telford
Donnington Wood Junior School, Telford
William Reynolds Primary, Telford
The Bridge School, Telford
Grange Park, Telford
Southall School, Telford
Brynteg CP, Wrexham
Minera Church in Wales, Wrexham
St Mary's School Church in Wales, Wrexham
The Maelor School, Wrexham
Ysgol Bro Alun, Wrexham
Ysgol Bryn Tabor, Wrexham
Ysgol I.D Hooson, Wrexham
Ysgol Penrhyn, Wrexham
Ysgol Y Grango, Wrexham
Ysgol Rhos Helyg, Flintshire
Nannerch V.C Primary School, Flintshire
Ysgol Terrig, Flintshire
Brynhafren C.P School, Powys
Brynllywarch Hall School, Powys
Buttington/Trewen C.P. School, Powys
Caersws C.P. School, Powys
Chadsgrove School, Bromsgrove
Church Stretton Academy, Church Stretton
Crowmoor Primary School, Shrewsbury
Forden C. in W.
School, Powys
Leighton C. P. School, Powys
Llanysilio C. in W.
School , Powys
Llanidloes C.P. School, Powys
Llanidloes High School, Powys
Maesyrhandir C.P. School, Powys
Newtown High School - John Beddoes Campus
Newtown High School - Newtown Campus
PRU - North, Powys
Shrewsbury Academy (Corndon Crescent Site)
Shrewsbury Academy (Worcester Road Site)
Shrewsbury Cathedral Catholic School
Trefonen CE Primary School, Oswestry
Welshpool CinW Primary School, Powys
Welshpool High School, Powys
Ysgol Bro Caereinion - Primary Campus
Ysgol Bro Caereinion - Secondary Campus
Ysgol Dyffryn Trannon, Powys
Ysgol Gymraeg y Trallwng, Powys
Ysgol Rhiw Bechan, Powys

Parents are encouraged to check online to see if their child's school will be open regularly.

08:38Chiara Fiorillo

Brits wake up to widespread frost

The Met Office said many parts of the country have woken up to widespread frost today.

Northern Scotland and coastal regions will continue to be hit by wintry showers this morning, forecasters explained. However, the Met Office added that inland areas will experience "plenty of sunshine" on Wednesday.

It's a cold start to Wednesday morning with widespread frost across the country Wintry showers continue to affect northern Scotland and coastal regions through the morning, but expect plenty of sunshine further inland

Stay #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/7oQmffo92l [8][9]

-- Met Office (@metoffice) November 20, 2024 [10]08:19Chiara Fiorillo

Morning snow

New pictures of snow-covered landscapes have started to emerge - including one taken in the village of Goathland, North Yorkshire.

The snow-covered landscape in Goathland in North Yorkshire (PA)08:02Chiara Fiorillo

Met Office issues long-range forecast

The Met Office's long-range weather forecast from Sunday, November 24 to Tuesday, December 3 says we will continue to experience cold conditions due to strong winds, rain and showers. Meteorologists have warned of the risk of overnight frosts and fog in some areas. The forecast reads: "An unsettled start, with a spell of very strong winds and some rain or showers for all parts.

It will be mild for most parts, especially towards the southeast, although the strong winds will make it feel rather cold. "The start of next week looks like turning colder for all parts, with a return of wintry showers for a time, especially in the north. Conditions then look like settling down as high pressure builds across the country.

"Although the high may drift off to the east later next week, mainly dry and settled conditions seem likely to persist, especially towards the south and east where fog may become an issue. "Temperatures trending back towards average, but overnight frosts are likely and rather cold days where fog persists."

07:45Chiara Fiorillo

Health expert warns winter cold snap could risk lives

Brits are at heightened risk of Covid, norovirus and even depression ahead of the festive season due to a rise in vitamin D deficiency, warned Dr Hilary Jones. As the harsh cold snap hits during what the British Medical Association has labelled the "worst winter on record for health services," Dr Hilary, working with Newfoundland [11], has shared his top tips to stay healthy throughout the colder months and help alleviate pressure on the NHS.

"Vitamin D plays a crucial role in your health - both physically and mentally. The colder months see a huge rise in Vitamin D deficiencies, which leads to higher illness rates alongside depression due to the lack of sunlight," Dr Hilary said. The doctor's top tips include:

Self-testing
Eat a vitamin D-rich diet
Boost your diet with supplements

07:28Chiara Fiorillo

Forecast for today

The Met Office's weather forecast for today says: "After a frosty and in places icy start, many areas will be dry and sunny, though feeling cold.

"Wintry showers will continue to feed into areas exposed to the northerly wind, often heavy and blustery in the north and east." For tonight, it adds: "Another cold night to come with sleet and snow showers continuing in exposed areas. A widespread frost forming under clear spells, although cloudier in the far southwest later."

07:11Chiara Fiorillo

Yellow weather warnings still in force

The yellow weather warnings that were issued by the Met Office either on Monday or Tuesday are continuing until today.

Some of the warnings will end at 10am and others at 12pm. Currently, it's not clear whether any of the warnings will be extended.

Yellow weather warning issued Snow and ice across parts of eastern and northeastern England, and southeast ScotlandTuesday 1800 - Wednesday 1200

Latest info https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs [12] Stay #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/lbnLdVmdEw [13][14]

-- Met Office (@metoffice) November 19, 2024 [15]06:41Bradley Jolly

Snowing heavily in Birmingham

One video posted on Facebook shows heavy flurries fall as far south as Birmingham this morning. It is believed the clip was taken a short time ago near the Bull Ring shopping centre, which is in the city centre.

Operations at the city's airport, only around eight mile east, do not appear to be affected by the weather.

06:32Bradley Jolly

Winter wonderland in South Yorkshire

Parts of South Yorkshire have seen fresh now this morning. One man shared this glorious picture taken outside his home near Barnsley. It shows a crisp and evening covering of the white stuff.

06:30Bradley Jolly

West Mercia Police warns drrivers to ensure their windscreens are completely clear before setting off

West Mercia Police has reminded drivers to take the time to make sure their windscreens are completely clear before setting off.

The force says: "Clear any ice or snow, fully demist the inside of your windscreen and ensure any snow is removed from your roof.. Don't forget to clear your lights, wing mirrors and side/back windows."

06:17Bradley Jolly

National Rail explains how snow and ice can affect the railways

Snow and ice can affect the railways as follows:

Snow built up on the tracks can block points (the equipment that allows trains to move between tracks

Ice can coat the overhead power cables, preventing trains from drawing the power they need to run and leaving them stranded

Icicles on tunnels, bridges and other structures can also damage trains and overhead power cables

Where snow lies deeper than 30cm, trains can't run safely unless they have been fitted with snow ploughs

Snow and ice can affect railways in multiple ways (PA)06:12Bradley Jolly

National Express coach's near miss in Nottingham

In Nottingham last night, a National Express coach went sliding backwards down a busy main road before being rescued by locals passing by on foot. Incredible footage captured by a passerby shows the group of people running to the back of the bus to help push and prevent it from sliding completely off the road.

The bus, the National Express 450 route, had reportedly been travelling from London to Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, at the time of the incident.

06:08Bradley Jolly

Rail disruption at Northampton

Routes between London Euston and Northampton / Rugby / Coventry / Birmingham New Street and also between Northampton and Birmingham New Street / Crewe are affected by a points failure at Northampton this morning. Services may be cancelled, or delayed by up to 30 minutes. Disruption is expected until 06.45.

It is unclear if the weather played a part in this issue.

06:02Bradley Jolly

UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)'s first amber cold weather health alert

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued the first amber cold weather health alert of the season, warning conditions could be dangerous for vulnerable people, including the elderly. The amber warning covers the east and north of England, the Midlands, and Yorkshire and the Humber, with yellow alerts coming into place for the South East, South West and London until 6pm on Saturday. Andd the Alzheimer's Society warned that cold weather can be "particularly challenging" for people with dementia.

"Colder temperatures can be difficult for a person with dementia to adjust to, and they may not always be able to communicate that they are cold - or they may not even recognise it themselves," the charity said. Another charity, Asthma + Lung UK, urged those with lung conditions to be "extra careful". The charity warned cold weather can trigger potentially life-threatening asthma attacks or "flare-ups" for people with other lung conditions.

A man takes a photo of the overnight snowfall at a park in Buxton, Derbyshire yesterday (PA)05:59Bradley Jolly

Police in Northern Ireland tell motorists to 'drive with extra caution'

A yellow warning for snow and ice has also been issued for Northern Ireland from 6pm on Tuesday to 10am on Wednesday, with a separate warning also in place across most of Wales and parts of the West Midlands until 10am on Wednesday.

Police in Northern Ireland urged those on the roads to "drive with extra caution while we experience the freezing temperatures as forecast".

Heavy snow on the glenshane pass at present. @angie_weather @barrabest @bbcniweather @WeatherCee @Louise_utv @WeatherAisling pic.twitter.com/2BBEWndgGw [16][17][18][19][20][21][22]

-- Colleen Webb (@ColleenWebb0) November 19, 2024 [23]05:53Bradley Jolly

Roads closed in Scotland due to the weather

The B9176 northbound is closed due to adverse weather conditions between Strathy in the Scottish Highlands and the A836 for Fearn Lodge. And the A941 High Street is closed both ways due to snow from Fogwatt in Moray to Rothes, which is near Elgin. The A82 is closed both ways due to jackknifed lorry from the Inverness turn off at Drumnadrochit to the Fort William turn off.

Driving conditions on this stretch of road have been hazardous overnight so it is thought this may have played a factor in the smash.

05:45Bradley Jolly

'Winter hazards are likely through much of this week' - Met Office

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Neil Armstrong said: "With cold Arctic air firmly in place over the UK, continued winter hazards are likely through much of this week, with further updates to warnings likely in the coming days. "The current focus for upcoming snow and ice risk is from later on Tuesday and overnight into Wednesday, with snow showers likely moving in off windward coasts in the north and east, as well as drifting into parts of Northern Ireland and Wales. "In excess of 10cm of snow is possible over higher ground within the warning areas, with 1-2cm possibly settling at lower levels, which has the potential to lead to some travel disruption.

Ice is an additional hazard and is likely to form quickly on untreated surfaces."

Walkers on Winnats Pass in the Peak District, Derbyshire enjoy the snow (PA)05:38KEY EVENT

National Rail confirm train cancellations

The first few train cancellations have been confirmed - and both snow and ice are to blame. Buses replace trains between Llandudno and Blaenau Ffestiniog in north Wales until approximately 07:30, National Rail says. "Severe weather means that service between Llandudno and Blaenau Ffestiniog has been suspended," the website reads.

05:34Bradley Jolly

Met Office identifies when Arctic cold snap will finally end but more misery is coming

Forecasters at the Met Office have identified when the Arctic cold snap will end - but heavy rain will replace the weather [24].

The UK has endured sub-zero temperatures this week, with a low of -11.2?C at Braemar in Aberdeenshire recorded on Tuesday as snow finally arrived across the country [25]. Some 12cm of snow fell at Watnall, Nottinghamshire and more is expected on Wednesday, as far south as Suffolk and Carmarthenshire. But forecasters understand the Arctic airmass will finally subside on Saturday, and temperatures will rise again.

However, it means the large swathes of the UK will instead experience downpours, the heaviest of which are feared across north Wales, Merseyside, Greater Manchester [26] and parts of West Yorkshire. Sunday's outlook looks just as bleak with South West of England expected to face fierce downpours. Temperatures, though, should reach 16C in the East of England on Sunday, a significant jump from today's freezing conditions.

Met Office identifies when Arctic cold snap will finally end but more misery is coming [27]

05:32KEY EVENT

Snow and ice set to cause travel chaos during morning rush hour across UK

Commuters face widespread travel disruption on Wednesday morning after parts of the UK saw heavy snowfall [28] and ice [29]. The Met Office [30] put in place a yellow warning [31] for ice for much of southern England, the Midlands and eastern Wales from 5pm on Tuesday to 10am on Wednesday. Several other warnings for snow and ice have been in force across the UK, with the Met Office advising that vehicles could be stranded, power cuts may occur and rural areas could be cut off.

Snow and ice set to cause travel chaos during morning rush hour across UK [32]

A person walks through snow in Warwick in the Midlands (PA)05:23KEY EVENT

Travel chaos feared again today after Tuesday's mayhem

Due to the snowfall on Tuesday, there were disruption to train services and roads were dangerous and busy. A Stagecoach bus in Aberdeenshire toppled onto its side with a passenger on board in icy conditions. Train services, including some operated by Northern Rail, were scrapped.

It is thought similar chaos could happen today as ice presents itself as the main hazard for commuters.

Buses may be late - or may not run at all today (WalesOnline/Rob Browne)

References

^ snow (www.mirror.co.uk)
^ icy patches (www.mirror.co.uk)
^ Met Office (www.mirror.co.uk)
^ the closures of more than 200 on Tuesday due to the weather (www.mirror.co.uk)
^ trains may once again face be cancelled because of the snow and ice (www.mirror.co.uk)
^ National Express coach (www.mirror.co.uk)
^ here (www.mirror.co.uk)
^ #WeatherAware (twitter.com)
^ pic.twitter.com/7oQmffo92l (t.co)
^ November 20, 2024 (twitter.com)
^ Newfoundland (www.newfoundland.io)
^ https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs (t.co)
^ #WeatherAware (twitter.com)
^ pic.twitter.com/lbnLdVmdEw (t.co)
^ November 19, 2024 (twitter.com)
^ @angie_weather (twitter.com)
^ @barrabest (twitter.com)
^ @bbcniweather (twitter.com)
^ @WeatherCee (twitter.com)
^ @Louise_utv (twitter.com)
^ @WeatherAisling (twitter.com)
^ pic.twitter.com/2BBEWndgGw (t.co)
^ November 19, 2024 (twitter.com)
^ weather (www.mirror.co.uk)
^ snow finally arrived across the country (www.mirror.co.uk)
^ Manchester (www.mirror.co.uk)
^ Met Office identifies when Arctic cold snap will finally end but more misery is coming (www.mirror.co.uk)
^ snowfall (www.mirror.co.uk)
^ ice (www.mirror.co.uk)
^ Met Office (www.mirror.co.uk)
^ yellow warning (www.mirror.co.uk)
^ Snow and ice set to cause travel chaos during morning rush hour across UK (www.mirror.co.uk)