Snow in the North East Forces School Closures and Road Blockages
Winter weather has significantly impacted the North East of England, leading to school closures and major road disruptions. A blanket of snow has covered the region, prompting a Met Office yellow warning for snow and ice, effective until 21:00 GMT. Frequent wintry showers have contributed to accumulating snow, making travel hazardous.
Impact on Schools and Transportation
Approximately a dozen schools have closed, citing unsafe road conditions for both students and staff. Notable closures include:
- Duchess’s Community High School, Alnwick
- Lockwood Primary School, Boosbeck
The headteacher at Duchess’s Community High School reported multiple failed attempts to reach the school safely before deciding to close. Similar concerns were echoed by Lockwood Primary School, where worsening conditions led to its closure.
Road Blockages and Traffic Issues
The heavy snowfall has caused significant traffic issues, particularly on major routes. Notable incidents include:
- A1 in Northumberland: Multiple HGVs blocking traffic during the morning rush hour.
- A19 near Sunderland: A car overturned, resulting in lane closures.
National Highways reported that both incidents were resolved, allowing traffic to resume after initial delays. A car accident on the A19 occurred around 08:00, with recovery efforts taking a couple of hours.
Public Transportation Challenges
Public transport has also been disrupted. Arriva North East reported that services were modified due to vehicles getting stuck in heavy snow. Affected routes include:
- Service 81 between Kirkleatham Village and Guisborough
- X3/5A service unable to access Lingdale
Cold Weather Alerts and Community Response
The UK Health Security Agency has issued a cold weather alert, likely affecting vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with pre-existing health concerns. Community organizations have mobilized to assist individuals in need during these harsh conditions. The Moses Project in Stockton has urged for donations of warm clothing and sleeping bags, emphasizing that the cold is particularly impacting homeless individuals.
As the snow continues to fall, residents are encouraged to stay safe and avoid unnecessary travel. Local authorities are monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as conditions evolve.
