A prominent cultural landmark in Birmingham is shutting its doors ahead of severe winter weather, prioritising public and staff safety.
Early Closure and Extended Shutdown
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery will close its doors at 2pm on Thursday, January 8. The institution has confirmed it will also remain closed throughout the entirety of Friday, January 9. This decisive action comes directly in response to an amber weather warning issued by the Met Office for the West Midlands region.
The museum announced the closure on its official website and social media channels. Its statement clarified the decision was made "in order to ensure the safety of our staff and the public" while apologising for any inconvenience caused.
Storm Goretti's Forecasted Impact
The culprit behind the disruption is Storm Goretti, which is forecast to bring significant snowfall to the area. The Met Office has warned the storm is "likely to lead to disruption and dangerous travelling conditions Thursday night into Friday". For Birmingham specifically, the potential impact level has been listed as 'medium'.
Forecasters predict some parts of the wider region could see accumulations of up to 11 inches (approximately 28 centimetres) of snow, leading to hazardous conditions on roads and pavements.
Community and Staff Reaction
The museum's proactive decision has been warmly received by followers on social media, who praised the management for putting welfare first.
One user, Wendy Tolley, commented: "That's what you call a sensible employer." Another, Dianne Wakeling, said: "Thank you for taking care of your staff." A comment from Kim Hochkins contrasted the approach with other employers, noting: "A pity other employers aren't as bothered..."
The closure affects one of the city's major visitor attractions in Chamberlain Square. Residents and visitors are advised to check for further travel updates and weather advisories from official sources before making any journeys.
