Dozens of schools are set to shut down tomorrow due to heavy snow expected to arrive overnight. A significant number of schools in the Midlands and Wales have declared closures for Friday following an amber snow warning in effect from 8 pm today until 9 am tomorrow. Over 25 schools in Shropshire are among those that will remain closed. The impact of Storm Goretti has already been felt in the UK, bringing intense snowfall and powerful gusts of up to 99mph, leading to power outages affecting tens of thousands in southwest 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. Snow accumulation of 10 to 15cm is anticipated in the affected regions, with up to 30cm expected in higher elevated areas of Wales and the Peak District.
Additionally, a yellow snow warning remains in place until midday tomorrow for the same regions, along with parts of northern and southern England, including London. Another yellow warning for snow and ice, also effective until midday tomorrow, covers northern and eastern Scotland as well as northern England. In Scotland, more than 250 schools will stay closed, including 150 in Aberdeenshire, multiple schools in the Highlands and Aberdeen, and a few in Moray.
Moreover, numerous schools in Cornwall had to close early today due to strong winds, with a rare red weather warning issued by the Met Office for the county, including the Isles of Scilly. Wind speeds of 99mph were recorded at St Mary’s Airport on the Isles of Scilly, setting a new record for the location.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong has cautioned about the persistence of “violent gusts” for up to three hours before subsiding. He highlighted the severe disruptions expected due to the storm and emphasized the need for vigilance among residents in the warned areas to stay informed about the forecasts and guidance from local authorities.