Major cultural venues and events across the West Midlands are shutting down as the region braces for a significant snowfall from Storm Goretti. The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning, forecasting potentially disruptive conditions with up to 30 centimetres of snow expected from Thursday evening into Friday morning.
Key Attractions Announce Shutdowns
The impending severe weather has prompted a wave of pre-emptive closures. Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is among the high-profile sites closing its doors to ensure public safety. Meanwhile, a major concert scheduled for Thursday evening has been postponed.
Organisers of the Young Voices choir event, billed as the world's largest children's choir concert, took the decision to call off their performance at the BP Pulse LIVE Arena at the NEC. The National Trust property Wightwick Manor and Gardens, near Wolverhampton, is also closing earlier than planned today.
Met Office Forecast and Travel Warning
The Met Office amber warning for snow is active until 9am on Friday. Forecasters predict that heavy rain and hill snow will arrive with Storm Goretti on Thursday afternoon, becoming more widespread and reaching lower levels overnight.
Up to 30cm (approximately 11 inches) of snow could accumulate in some parts of the West Midlands, including Birmingham. The Met Office has explicitly warned that this is 'likely to lead to disruption and dangerous travelling conditions Thursday night into Friday'. Temperatures are expected to hover around freezing overnight.
Ongoing Disruption and Further Updates
The situation remains fluid, with further closures and travel disruptions likely as the storm develops. The amber warning underscores the serious risk posed by the weather system. Residents are advised to avoid non-essential travel and check for updates from specific venues before setting out.
This blog will continue to provide the latest information on closures and weather-related news across the West Midlands throughout Thursday and Friday.
