Dozens of schools are set to remain closed tomorrow due to an incoming heavy snowfall overnight. Schools in the Midlands and Wales have made the decision to shut their doors on Friday following an amber snow warning in place from 8pm today until 9am tomorrow. Among the closures, more than twenty schools in Shropshire will not be opening. The UK has already been hit by Storm Goretti, which brought heavy snow and strong gusts up to 99mph, leading to power outages in the south-west of England on Thursday evening.
The Met Office has issued an amber alert stating that rain associated with the storm will transition into heavy snow, potentially causing power disruptions and isolating rural communities. Snowfall amounts ranging from 10 to 15cm are anticipated in the affected regions, with up to 30cm expected on higher terrain in Wales and the Peak District.
Additionally, a yellow snow warning remains in effect until midday tomorrow for the same areas and extends to parts of northern and southern England, including London. Another yellow warning for snow and ice has been issued for northern and eastern Scotland and parts of northern England, resulting in the closure of over 250 schools in Scotland, including significant numbers in Aberdeenshire, the Highlands, Aberdeen, and Moray.
In Cornwall, numerous schools had to close early today due to high winds, with the Met Office issuing a rare red weather warning for the county, including the Isles of Scilly. Wind speeds of 99mph were recorded at St Mary’s Airport in the Isles of Scilly, setting a new record for the site.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong cautioned about the possibility of prolonged violent gusts lasting up to three hours before subsiding. He highlighted the severe weather warnings for wind and heavy snow, emphasizing the potential for significant disruption across Wales, the Midlands, and parts of northern England. Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay informed about the weather forecast and guidance from local authorities to stay safe.