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North England Buried Under Snow: Schools Close, Roads Blocked
20 Nov
Summary
- Heavy snow led to widespread school closures across northeast England.
- Major roads, including the A1, were brought to a standstill by snowfall.
- A cold weather alert highlights potential risks to vulnerable populations.
Northeast England experienced severe disruption as heavy snowfall led to widespread school closures and traffic chaos. A Met Office yellow warning for snow and ice was in effect, forecasting significant snow accumulation and icy conditions. Many schools shut their doors due to unsafe road conditions for staff and students. The A1 in Northumberland became impassable for a period, with HGVs blocking the route, and a car overturned on the A19 near Sunderland.
Public transport services were also significantly affected. Bus routes were canceled as vehicles became stuck in the snow. National Highways reported that the A1 had been cleared after the morning rush hour, allowing traffic to resume. This severe weather comes as the UK Health Security Agency issued a cold weather alert for England, warning of potential substantial impacts on vulnerable groups, including the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Charities have urgently appealed for donations of essential winter items like sleeping bags and coats to support the homeless population, who are particularly hard-hit by the cold, snow, and ice. The adverse weather conditions underscore the challenges faced by communities and vulnerable individuals during extreme cold snaps.
