Heavy snow and plummeting temperatures have brought chaos to much of the UK today, forcing hundreds of schools to close and leaving thousands of commuters stranded as roads become impassable.
The Met Office has issued yellow and amber warnings for snow and ice across multiple regions, with overnight temperatures dropping to -5°C in Scotland and Northern Ireland. In the Scottish Highlands and Aberdeenshire, several inches of snow have accumulated, prompting Police Scotland to urge drivers to make only essential journeys. Dozens of schools across the region have shut their doors.
Northern Ireland faces similar disruption, with widespread school closures in County Antrim and County Down as treacherous road conditions grip the province. Daytime temperatures are struggling to rise above freezing.
Northern England has not escaped the wintry blast. The Pennines bore the brunt of heavy snowfall, with the A66 among key routes affected by dangerous driving conditions. Even areas further south are grappling with widespread ice warnings across the Midlands, South East and South West, where overnight lows hit -3°C.
In Wales, higher ground in Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons has seen significant snowfall. Local councils are working round the clock to grit main routes, but secondary roads remain treacherous due to black ice. Moderate winds of 10-20 mph are adding a bitter wind chill factor.
The Met Office warns that whilst the heaviest snow may ease in some areas, ice will persist into tomorrow morning as temperatures remain well below freezing. The sudden cold snap follows weeks of milder weather, catching many communities off guard.
Emergency services are advising residents to check travel updates before venturing out, dress in layers, and look out for vulnerable neighbours. Local councils urge homeowners to check pipes for freezing and ensure adequate heating. A gradual warming trend is forecast towards the weekend, but icy conditions will dominate the coming days.