The Met Office has escalated weather warnings for the Midlands, placing Birmingham under an amber alert for snow from 8pm on Thursday until 9am on Friday. Forecasters predict a significant 13-hour snow event that is expected to cause widespread disruption across the region.
Essential Preparations Urged for Brummies
With the severe weather imminent, the national forecaster is strongly advising households to prepare for potential power cuts and isolation. The message is clear: preparation is key to coping effectively.
The Met Office specifically recommends gathering four essential items: torches, batteries, a mobile phone power pack, and other critical supplies. "It's easy to do," they stated, emphasising simple steps can make a major difference in safety and comfort.
Further advice for those who may become snowed in includes keeping the thermostat at a constant temperature day and night, ensuring pets are warm, and taking steps to prevent pipes from freezing by allowing warm air to circulate around plumbing.
Major Travel Disruption Expected Across Transport Networks
The impending storm is forecast to severely impact travel. The Met Office warns that delays on roads are likely, with a risk of vehicles and passengers becoming stranded. Disruptions and cancellations to rail and air travel are also anticipated.
There is also a significant chance that some rural communities could become completely cut off. Following reports of icy conditions nationwide, the RAC has issued its own warning to motorists, highlighting the particular danger of "almost impossible to spot" black ice on untreated surfaces.
The motoring organisation advised that if a car begins to skid, drivers should "steer gently into the direction of the skid" to maintain control and use gears to slow down where necessary.
Cold Snap Grips the Nation
The snow warning for the Midlands comes as cold weather continues to hold the UK in its grip. BBC Weather presenter Simon King noted that while the coldest air was over northern Scotland with temperatures of -6°C, the risk of ice remains widespread.
"Ground temperatures are often a few degrees lower than air temperatures, especially where there is lying snow," King explained. "So there could still be some slippery conditions with ice on untreated roads and pavements."
For those in need of support during the severe weather, the British Red Cross Support Line is available on 0808 196 3651.
