Schools Close and Flights Cancelled as Snow Brings Widespread Disruption Across the UK

Hundreds of schools have closed and flights have been cancelled across the UK as snow and ice continue to cause major disruption, with weather warnings remaining in place.

Amber weather warnings for snow were issued in parts of Scotland until 10 a.m. on Monday, while yellow warnings for snow and ice covered much of the UK. Areas affected by the amber warnings included Aberdeen, Aviemore in the Cairngorms, and Ullapool in Ross-shire.

Forecasters warned that an additional 5 to 10 centimetres of snow could accumulate at lower elevations, with up to 20 to 30 centimetres expected on higher ground.

Yellow warnings—indicating likely disruption—remain in effect across Northern Ireland, Wales, large parts of Scotland north of Glasgow, southwest and northwest England, the Midlands, eastern England, the northeast, and up to the Scottish Borders.

The UK Health Security Agency has also issued amber cold health alerts for England, warning that low temperatures could affect health and wellbeing. The alerts are expected to remain in place until Friday.

Snow has led to widespread school closures, particularly in Shetland, Orkney, the Western Isles, Aberdeenshire, and parts of Moray. Some schools in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland have also been affected.

Transport services have been significantly disrupted. National Rail said train services between Llandudno and Betws-y-Coed in North Wales were cancelled or revised due to blocked tracks. Network Rail Scotland warned that several key routes, including Aberdeen to Dundee and Inverness to Wick and Thurso, were unlikely to resume until midday because of heavy drifting snow.

Air travel has also been impacted. Loganair cancelled flights from Aberdeen and Inverness airports, while Liverpool John Lennon Airport temporarily closed its runway due to wintry conditions, leading to delays and cancellations.

The Met Office warned that travel disruption is likely to continue, particularly in rural areas where communities could become temporarily cut off. Police have issued travel advisories urging motorists to avoid unnecessary journeys in affected regions.