The Met Office has escalated its warnings for the Midlands, issuing a stark alert for potential power cuts and significant disruption as a 13-hour snowstorm is forecast to hit the region. The severe weather, driven by the approaching Storm Goretti, is predicted to bring dangerous conditions from Thursday night into Friday morning.
Storm Goretti's Path and Expected Impact
Associated with the deep low-pressure system named by Meteo France, Storm Goretti is set to sweep across the UK. The Met Office states that rain will turn readily to heavy snow on Thursday evening, starting on higher ground before spreading to lower levels overnight. The snow is expected to ease by Friday morning, but not before causing widespread issues.
Forecasters warn that accumulations of 10-15 cm are likely across many areas, with a potential for 20-30 cm on hills above 200 metres, particularly in Wales and the Peak District. The exact track of the storm remains uncertain, which could shift the areas most affected, and the warning may be updated.
Full List of Affected Areas
The yellow weather warning for snow covers a wide swathe of the Midlands. Residents in the following 15 areas should prepare for disruption:
- Derby
- Derbyshire
- Leicester
- Leicestershire
- Northamptonshire
- Nottingham
- Nottinghamshire
- Rutland
- Herefordshire
- Shropshire
- Staffordshire
- Telford and Wrekin
- Warwickshire
- West Midlands Conurbation (including Birmingham and Solihull)
- Worcestershire
Widespread Disruption and Safety Advice
The Met Office has highlighted several key risks. Power cuts are likely, and other essential services, including mobile phone coverage, could be temporarily affected. The heavy snow will lead to dangerous travelling conditions, with significant disruption on roads likely.
"Disruption is likely to persist into Friday after snow stops falling," the forecast adds. The broader outlook indicates wind, rain, and snow clearing eastwards on Friday, followed by a mostly fine but frosty Saturday. However, further wet, windy, and potentially snowy weather is forecast to arrive on Sunday.
Authorities are advising the public to avoid non-essential travel during the worst of the weather, to check on vulnerable neighbours, and to prepare emergency kits in case of power outages.
