A major winter storm is set to bring widespread disruption to the Midlands, forcing numerous schools to close their doors on Thursday, 8th January 2026.
Amber Warning Issued for Widespread Disruption
The Met Office has escalated its warnings for Storm Goretti, naming it as a "multi-hazard event" with significant impacts expected from snow, rain, and strong winds. An amber weather warning for snow will be in place overnight on Thursday into Friday morning, covering a large swathe of the West Midlands.
The areas under the amber alert include: Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Telford and Wrekin, Warwickshire, the West Midlands Conurbation, and Worcestershire. Yellow warnings are also active for South West England, Wales, the East Midlands, and Yorkshire & Humber.
Forecast Predicts Heavy Snow Accumulation
Met Office Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong stated that the most significant impacts from snow will be felt across parts of Wales and the Midlands. He warned of widespread accumulations of 5-10 cm, with 15-25 cm likely on higher ground and the potential for up to 30 cm in some localised areas.
"Goretti will bring snow on its northern edge, this most likely over Wales and the Midlands," Armstrong explained. The storm, named by Météo-France, will also bring a period of strong winds, particularly affecting southern England and Wales, with a separate amber wind warning for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
Travel Chaos and School Closures Expected
The severe weather is anticipated to cause considerable travel problems throughout Thursday and Friday morning. The Met Office has advised the public to prepare for:
- Significant travel delays on roads.
- Possible cancellations to rail and air travel.
- A chance of power cuts and interruptions to other services.
- Risks from rain and flooding in parts of Wales and eastern England.
In response to the dangerous conditions, many schools across the warned regions have decided to remain closed on Thursday to ensure the safety of pupils and staff. Parents are urged to check the status of their child's school via the official Government website by entering their postcode.
The situation remains dynamic, with the Met Office noting that updates to the warnings may be required as confidence grows in the exact track of Storm Goretti.
