MASS school closures have come into force in the wake of sub-zero temperatures, ice and snow brought about by a savage weather system from Siberia dubbed the Beast from the East.
With temperatures dipping to as low as -5C overnight across East Hampshire, with a windchill factor of -12C, and more snow forecast throughout today, schools were left with little choice but to close for the day on safety grounds.
Some schools in the district, such as Petersfield Infant School and Herne Junior School in Petersfield, have already made the decision to remain closed tomorrow (Friday) too, while most will make a decision on whether to reopen over the course of the next few hours.
Confirmed Thursday school closures:
ALTON AREA
Alton College
Alton Infant School
Anstey Junior School
Amery Hill School
Andrews Endowed Primary (Holybourne)
Buryfields Infant School (Odiham)
The Butts Primary School
Bushy Leaze Early Years Centre
Chawton Primary School
Cheriton Primary School
Eggar’s School (Holybourne)
Four Marks Primary School
Medstead Primary School
Perins (Alresford)
Ropley Primary School
Selborne Primary School
St Mary’s Primary School, Bentworth
St Lawrence Primary School
Sun Hill Junior School (Alresford)
Wootey Infant School
Wootey Junior School
BORDON AREA
Greatham Primary School
Hollywater
Weyford Nursery & Primary School
LIPHOOK AREA
Bohunt School
PETERSFIELD AREA
Buriton Primary School
Clanfield junior School
East Meon Primary School
Herne Junior School (also closed Friday)
Horndean Junior School
Horndean Infant School
Horndean Technology College
Langrish Primary School
Liss Infant School
Liss Junior School
Petersfield Infant School (also closed Friday)
The Petersfield School
Petersgate Infant School (Clanfield)
Sheet Primary School
Steep Primary School
West Meon Primary School