The West Midlands is on high alert as Storm Goretti bears down on the region, threatening to unleash blizzard conditions and significant travel chaos. Birmingham and surrounding areas are set for a severe battering, with an amber weather warning for snow now active.
Timeline of Disruption: From Rain to Heavy Snow
Forecasters warn the disruption will begin with heavy rain on Thursday afternoon, turning to snow from around 5pm. The most intense and persistent snowfall is then expected through the evening and overnight hours. The official amber warning from the Met Office runs from 8pm on Thursday until 9am on Friday.
Richard Guttridge, Agenda Editor, reported the developing situation. The storm is predicted to bring strong winds later tonight, compounding the hazardous conditions created by the snow.
Expected Snow Accumulations and Worst-Hit Areas
Substantial snow accumulations are forecast across a wide area. The Met Office indicates that 10-15cm (4-6 inches) of snow is likely fairly widely. However, in the worst-hit spots, particularly on higher ground above 200m in areas like the Peak District and Wales, local accumulations could reach 20-30cm (8-12 inches).
For Birmingham and the wider West Midlands, this means a strong likelihood of around five inches of snow in many places, with the potential for significantly more in elevated locales.
Major Travel Chaos Expected for Friday Morning
The combination of heavy snow and strong winds is expected to lead to severe travel disruption on Friday morning. Roads are likely to become treacherous, and public transport services may face significant delays or cancellations. The Met Office alert explicitly warns of "difficult travelling conditions."
While the snow is forecast to ease through Friday morning, potentially turning to sleet or rain at lower levels, the disruption is expected to persist well after the snowfall stops. Officials have noted some uncertainty in the storm's exact track, meaning the warning may be updated as the situation develops.
Residents across Birmingham and the West Midlands are advised to avoid non-essential travel on Thursday evening and Friday morning, to check on vulnerable neighbours, and to stay updated with the latest forecasts and travel advice from local authorities.
