A 28-hour snowstorm sweeping across parts of the UK has led to numerous school closures, particularly in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, as temperatures plummet and snow blankets regions. Heavy snowfall and icy conditions have disrupted daily life, with more closures expected as weather conditions deteriorate.

Weather Warnings

The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for snow and ice, which will remain in place until 10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 20. According to forecasts, central England and Wales will experience persistent rain, sleet, and snow, which will turn drier later in the day. Northern Scotland and coastal areas will continue to see snow showers. A widespread frost is expected tonight, with icy patches forming where showers occur.

School Closures Across Regions

Yorkshire

• North Halifax Grammar School: The school announced its closure due to significant snowfall and freezing temperatures, which are expected to reach 0°C overnight and feel like -4°C. The school stated, “The snow has started as expected. It is setting on-site and due to continue until 8 a.m. tomorrow. Freezing conditions mean it will not be safe. As a result, we are making the decision to remain closed tomorrow.”
• The Piece Hall: While not a school, this cultural site will close early, at 9 p.m. instead of the usual 11 p.m., due to the severe weather forecast.

Oxfordshire

• Orion Academy: Closed due to an ongoing electrical supply issue. The school also remained shut on Monday and last Friday, unrelated to snow.
• Bishopswood School and Sonning Common Primary School: These schools near Reading have closed due to a water supply issue believed to stem from a local leak, causing low water pressure or outages.

Berkshire

• Although technically in Oxfordshire, Bishopswood School and Sonning Common Primary School are located near Reading and are facing closures due to the same water supply problem.

Herefordshire

• Wigmore Primary School, Wigmore High School, and Earl Mortimer College: All three schools have closed due to icy and snowy conditions.

Warnings for Vulnerable Groups

Charity Age UK has issued a caution, noting that the extreme weather poses significant risks to vulnerable populations, especially the elderly. Dr. Agostinho Sousa from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) urged people to check on friends, family, and neighbors to ensure they are prepared for the cold.

“This is the first amber Cold Weather Health Alert of the season, but we can expect more as we approach winter. It is vital to ensure vulnerable individuals are well-prepared,” Dr. Sousa stated.

Looking Ahead

The snowstorm and associated disruptions highlight the importance of safety precautions during adverse weather. Local authorities and schools closely monitor conditions; updates are expected as the storm progresses.

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