Severe Weather Alert: Heavy Snowfall Anticipated in West Midlands
A shift from a yellow to a more serious amber alert has been made in preparation for what could be the most intense snowfall in the West Midlands in the last ten years.
The forecast suggests that heavy snowfall will likely disrupt travel and make road conditions hazardous, starting from late afternoon and intensifying by the evening.
Storm Forecast
Storm Goretti is anticipated to bring significant snowfall, potentially reaching 10-15cm, with some areas even bracing for 20-30cm. Stoke-on-Trent City Council has expressed concerns about the most substantial snowfall they've encountered in a decade.
The amber alert encompasses Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Coventry, Warwickshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, and parts of Staffordshire, and is expected to persist until the next morning.
Navigating the Snowfall
Residents are urged to limit travel to essential trips only, with the possibility of school closures in the region due to the harsh winter conditions.
Local councils are taking measures to manage the snow by salting the roads, as road surface temperatures are predicted to dip below freezing.
The Stoke-on-Trent City Council has ramped up their salting operations, describing them as "extremely vigorous", and plans to continue them as weather conditions demand.
Preparing for the Storm
There have been concerns raised about the depletion of available salt supplies in certain neighborhoods following several days of icy conditions. However, the local authority, run by the Labour party, has assured residents that they have not exhausted their supply of grit.
The council emphasized that they are now dealing with the heaviest snowfall they've seen in a decade. The forecast predicts up to 3.5 inches of snow and temperatures dipping to -4C from Thursday into Friday morning.
Given these severe conditions, the council is managing its resources and salt stocks carefully.
Impact on Public Transport
Some bus services in Shropshire have been preemptively cancelled in anticipation of the snow. The council's Connect On-Demand service in Shrewsbury and surrounding villages will not be operational on Friday.
The chief forecaster has warned that the most significant impacts from the snow are likely to be felt in parts of Wales and the Midlands. The amber warning has been issued for the areas where the greatest risk of disruption is expected from Thursday night into Friday morning.
Travel Advice
National Highways has issued a severe weather alert for snow on the region's roads, effective from late afternoon Thursday to the next morning. Motorists are advised to plan their journeys in advance, as some routes could see up to 15cm of snow.
Routes around Birmingham, extending to Leicester and Nottingham, are predicted to present particularly challenging driving conditions.
West Midlands Railway has also advised passengers to verify their travel plans before setting out.