Frozen out: Snow closes schools and wrecks Monday plans for thousands of parents
Snow has brought parts of the UK to a standstill overnight, closing hundreds of schools and causing widespread travel disruption. With amber weather warnings still in force, families are being advised to tread carefully as icy conditions linger.
For most families, today should have marked a return to work and school after the festive break, but the weather has forced sudden childcare changes and disrupted commutes, particularly in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Amber warnings for snow are in place across parts of Scotland, while yellow warnings for snow and ice stretch across much of the UK, including England and Wales. Ireland is also experiencing difficult conditions, with warnings issued nationwide.
Which schools are closed due to snow?
Large numbers of schools have shut their doors due to unsafe conditions, leaving thousands of families scrambling for last-minute plans.
Schools are closed in Shetland, Orkney, the Western Isles, Aberdeenshire and many areas of Moray. In Northern Ireland alone, 186 schools are closed, affecting thousands of pupils.
In County Derry, the principal of St Patrick’s and St Brigid’s College in Claudy said conditions made opening impossible.
“It is very, very bad,” Philip McCullagh told BBC Radio Ulster. “It will take a long time for us to clear our site but also the footpaths as well. It’s as bad as I’ve seen it.”
Parents are being advised to check local council and school websites for the latest updates, as further closures are possible if conditions worsen.
How school closures are affecting families
The unexpected closures have caused significant disruption for parents, many of whom were preparing for the first full week back at work after the Christmas break.
With icy roads and public transport delays making travel difficult, some families are unable to rely on informal childcare such as grandparents or childminders. Parents working shifts or without flexible working options may be particularly affected, with little notice to arrange alternative care.
Schools and councils are urging families not to travel unless necessary, meaning some children may need to stay at home even where schools remain technically open.
How much snow is expected?
Snowfall has already reached significant levels in some areas. Parts of Aberdeenshire have reported depths of up to 14cm.
The Met Office has warned that rural communities could become cut off, with a further 10cm of snow possible in low-lying areas and as much as 20 to 30cm settling on higher ground.
Yellow weather warnings for snow and ice cover large parts of England and Wales, including the east coast and the south-west, with Wales expected to see particularly cold and icy conditions.
In Ireland, Met Éireann has issued yellow warnings for ice and snow across all counties, warning of “treacherous travel conditions”.
Travel disruption across the UK
Transport networks are under severe strain as snow and ice continue to fall.
In Scotland, Network Rail has warned that heavy and drifting snow is likely to prevent trains from running until at least midday on key routes, including:
- Aberdeen to Dundee
- Aberdeen to Inverness
- Inverness to Wick and Thurso
- Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh
Flights have also been affected. Loganair cancelled flights from Aberdeen and Inverness due to heavy snowfall. Liverpool John Lennon Airport said earlier that its runway was closed because of wintry conditions, with delays and cancellations expected.
In Northern Ireland, several flights were cancelled at Belfast City and Belfast International airports. Public transport operator Translink warned of delays to bus services, with some routes operating on main roads only.
Keeping children safe in icy conditions
With pavements, roads and school entrances affected by ice and snow, families are being urged to take extra care when travelling with children.
Authorities advise clearing snow and ice from pushchairs and car seats, allowing extra time for short journeys and avoiding unnecessary travel where possible. Parents walking children to school or childcare settings are being reminded to take extra care on untreated pavements, where slips and falls are more likely.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland advised motorists: “Clear your windscreen of ice and snow before you set off on your journey, and remember to slow down and increase the distance between you and the vehicle ahead.”
Advice for parents and drivers
The Scottish transport secretary, Fiona Hyslop, acknowledged the challenges many families are facing as they return to normal routines “We’ve already seen challenging conditions and freezing temperatures, with more snow and ice on the way for the same areas,” she said.
If you have to travel then please ensure your vehicle is winter-ready and have a winter kit in your car.
"Follow Police Scotland travel advice. If you can delay your journey until the amber warning has expired, please do so,” she said.
How to stay updated on school closures
Parents are being encouraged to regularly check official sources for the latest information, as conditions can change quickly.
Local council websites and school communication apps are expected to provide the most up-to-date guidance. In Northern Ireland, the NI Direct website is publishing a list of affected schools, while families elsewhere are advised to monitor local authority updates and social media channels.
Health warnings remain in place
Alongside travel disruption, the UK Health Security Agency has issued amber cold weather warnings for all areas of England. These warnings are expected to remain in force until 10am on Friday.
Parents of young children, older relatives or anyone with health conditions are being reminded to keep homes warm and check in on vulnerable family members as temperatures remain low.
With snow and ice forecast to continue in some areas, families are being advised to plan ahead where possible and prioritise safety as winter weather continues to cause disruption across the UK and Ireland.
Read more:
Authors
Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.