UK: Adverse winter weather forecast across Scotland, Northern Ireland, northern England, and northern Wales through at least Jan. 19

Adverse winter weather conditions are forecast across much of Scotland, Northern Ireland, northern England, and northern Wales through at least Jan. 19. Snowfall accumulations of more than 40 cm (16 inches) are possible across parts of northwestern Scotland over the coming days, as well as a mix of snow, sleet, and rain across the rest of the affected area. Heavy frosts and icy conditions are also likely across the affected area and will lead to hazardous travel conditions. Cold temperatures are forecast to persist across much of the UK over the coming days; temperatures are likely to remain below 0 C (32 F) across much of Scotland Jan. 17 and the UK Met Office, in association with the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA), has issued an amber cold weather action alert (level 3 on a four-tier scale) across England through 12:00 Jan. 19.

Hundreds of schools across northern Scotland and several in Lancashire in northwestern England are closed due to the winter weather on Jan. 17. Tram services have been disrupted across Greater Manchester early Jan. 17 and Scotrail has warned of possible disruptions to services across Scotland.

As of Jan. 17, the UK Met Office has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:

• Amber snow warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Across parts of northern Scotland and the Orkney and Shetland islands.

• Yellow snow and ice warnings: Across most of the rest of the affected area.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

In addition to the wintry precipitation, strong wind gusts could lead to periods of blowing and drifting snow. Sporadic power outages are likely throughout affected areas.

The winter weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions in areas under snow and ice warnings over the coming days. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible along regional highways. Difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions are also likely on secondary and rural roadways in the affected states as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Authorities could close stretches of highway if driving conditions become too hazardous. Gusty winds may threaten to topple high-profile vehicles throughout the affected area. Flight delays and cancellations are likely due to ground stops and deicing operations at airports in regions where heavy snow and/or extreme cold temperatures are forecast.