Dozens of schools are set to shut down tomorrow due to heavy snowfall expected overnight. Schools in the Midlands and Wales have announced closures for Friday following an amber snow warning in effect from 8pm today until 9am tomorrow. More than 25 schools in Shropshire are among those that will remain closed. Storm Goretti has already hit the UK, bringing heavy snow and gusts of up to 99mph, causing power outages 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 leading to power outages and isolation of rural communities. Snow accumulation of 10 to 15cm is forecasted in the affected regions, with up to 30cm expected in higher elevations in Wales and the Peak District.
A yellow snow warning is in place until midday tomorrow, covering the same areas as well as parts of northern and southern England, including London. Additionally, a second yellow warning for snow and ice, effective until midday tomorrow, includes northern and eastern Scotland and northern England. In Scotland, more than 250 schools will remain closed, with significant closures in Aberdeenshire, the Highlands, Aberdeen, and Moray.
Furthermore, numerous schools in Cornwall closed early today due to strong winds, prompted by 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 site.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong cautioned about violent gusts lasting up to three hours before easing, particularly in the red warning area encompassing the Isles of Scilly and much of Cornwall. He highlighted the potential for exceptionally strong gusts exceeding 100mph. The warning also emphasized heavy snow affecting Wales, the Midlands, and parts of northern England, with possible accumulations of 10-15cm and up to 20-30cm in certain areas, especially in Wales and the Peak District.
Armstrong advised residents in the warning areas to stay informed about the forecast and heed local authority messages due to the expected severe weather conditions.