(The Watchers) – Snow and icy conditions are set to cause further disruptions across the United Kingdom after the deepest “extreme freeze” in a decade hit the country, causing mass cancelations of classes, businesses, and travel services. On Thursday, February 11, 2021, the country has recorded its coldest night in more than 25 years as the mercury dropped to nearly -23 °C (-9.4 °F) in northern Scotland.

About 70 schools were shut across the UK, while many businesses and travel services were canceled or delayed as snow blanketed the country during the storm’s onslaught. According to local media, it was believed to be the deepest “extreme freeze” for a decade.

On Wednesday, February 10, roads as far south as Kent were impassable due to a thick sheet of ice, while the M20 was closed in both directions. In southeast England, the icy conditions caused mass disruption of rail services. No replacement transport was available as many routes were closed. Treacherous driving conditions had also caused a number of accidents, according to authorities.

“Cold weather can have a serious impact on health, particularly for older people and those with heart and lung problems, as it increases the risks of heart attacks, strokes, and chest infections,” warned Dr. Owen Landeg of Public Health England as a cold weather alert was issued for the whole country earlier this week. READ MORE