A severe Arctic blast has plunged the UK into further winter chaos, with the Met Office issuing a rare Amber weather warning for snow and blizzards, sparking widespread school closures and major travel disruption.
Danger to Life Warning Issued
The Met Office has escalated its alerts, placing northern and northeast Scotland – including the Highlands, Grampian, and north Angus – under an Amber 'danger to life' warning from 11am until 7pm on Tuesday, 6 January. Forecasters predict an additional 5–10cm of snow at lower levels and up to 15cm on higher ground.
This significant snowfall creates a high risk of communities becoming completely cut off and power supplies failing. The dangerous conditions result from a complex weather battle, as a low-pressure system from the Atlantic collides with the existing Arctic air mass. While the far south sees rain, this clash is turning to snow over central England and Wales.
Widespread Disruption Across the Country
The impact on daily life is severe and expanding. The disruption to education is significant, with hundreds of schools closed across Shetland, Orkney, Aberdeenshire, and Moray. In total, more than 180 schools are shut, primarily in the north and west, with some closures also reported in Wales and southern England.
Transport networks are in disarray. Police Scotland and Welsh authorities have issued stark "do not travel" or "travel with caution" advice. Key routes like the A939 at Tomintoul and Cock Bridge are closed after snow gates were shut. National Rail warns that services in northern Scotland will be disrupted all day, while Transport for Wales reports delays and cancellations due to ice affecting equipment. Aberdeen and Inverness airports continue to face significant delays.
Health Alert and Freezing Temperatures
Overnight, temperatures plummeted dramatically, with some areas experiencing lows of -12C where snow is lying. The cold snap's danger extends beyond immediate travel, with the UK Health Security Agency's (UKHSA) Amber Cold Health Alert remaining active for all of England until Friday, 9 January.
This alert warns of significant added pressure on the NHS and a heightened risk to vulnerable individuals, particularly the elderly. The West Midlands is under a separate Yellow warning for snow and ice, with hazardous driving conditions expected throughout the morning. The public is urged to stay informed, avoid non-essential travel in warning areas, and check on those who may be vulnerable during this prolonged freeze.
