West Midlands Police have issued a stark plea to the public, urging them to stop using the 999 emergency number to report snowball fights or to enquire about school closures. The request comes after the force was inundated with non-urgent calls during the heavy snowfall brought by Storm Goretti.
Surge in Non-Emergency Calls During Storm
The region experienced significant disruption on Thursday, 9 January 2026, as the storm blanketed areas like Kings Heath in Birmingham. The police force's control room was placed under immense pressure, handling a staggering 1,397 calls between 8pm and midnight alone. This figure is in sharp contrast to the 570 calls received in the same period the previous day.
By Friday, call volumes had already reached double the number typically expected. Among the inappropriate calls logged were reports of abandoned vehicles in the snow and, remarkably, multiple requests from members of the public asking if specific schools were closed.
Impact on Emergency Response Times
The force emphasised that such calls are not a policing matter and divert critical resources away from genuine emergencies. "We have had calls about snowball fights which really is not a police matter," a statement read, adding a plea to "help us to help those most in need."
The guidance clarified that unless a vehicle or tree is actively blocking a road, other agencies are responsible. The influx of weather-related inquiries has directly impacted wait times for genuine emergencies. "This means our wait times are impacted and we do not want our skilled staff having to deal with weather related issues instead of issues that are policing matters," the statement concluded.
Officer Dedication Amidst the Chaos
Despite the operational challenges and personal hardship caused by the weather, the force highlighted the extraordinary commitment of its staff. Many employees faced gruelling journeys to maintain services.
Assistant Chief Constable Jen Mattinson praised her team's resilience, stating: "The weather has caused significant disruption across the region today, but our commitment to providing an outstanding service is unaffected."
She revealed examples of exceptional dedication, including contact handlers who took over three hours to get home before returning for their next shift, and an officer who walked from Oldbury to Birmingham city centre to report for duty. Another special sergeant used his day off to help move stranded cars to safety before coming into work to assist with arrest attempts for domestic abuse offences.
The police reminder is clear: before dialling 999, the public must consider whether their situation is a genuine emergency requiring immediate police intervention, ensuring that life-saving help can reach those who need it most.
