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