The Met Office has issued an urgent five-point checklist for residents across Birmingham and the West Midlands to follow as Storm Goretti prepares to unleash significant snowfall. An amber weather warning for snow will come into force at 8pm on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
When and Where the Snow Will Hit
Forecasters warn that ten to 15 centimetres of snow could fall widely across the amber alert zone, which covers Birmingham, parts of northern England, and Wales. According to data from WX Charts, the first flurries are expected to reach Birmingham from around 6pm on Thursday.
The snowfall is predicted to intensify throughout the night, peaking at approximately 9pm, and is likely to continue until 6am on Friday morning. The Met Office has stressed that weather warnings can change rapidly and urged the public to stay updated.
The Five Essential Steps to Take Now
To ensure safety at home and on the roads, meteorological experts have outlined a critical preparation plan for all households.
1. Plan Your Travel Carefully
Motorists are advised to plan routes in advance, checking for delays and road closures. Before any journey, allow extra time and ensure your vehicle is ready by checking wipers, tyres, and screenwash levels.
It is also vital to pack an emergency kit in your car. This should include items such as:
- An in-car phone charger and power pack
- Warm clothes, blankets, and high-visibility clothing
- Jump leads and an empty fuel can
- Food, drink, a shovel, and warning triangles
2. Adopt Safe Driving Techniques
If you must drive, use dipped headlights and accelerate gently. Starting in second gear can help prevent wheel slip. Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, keep a constant speed when travelling uphill, and use a low gear for descending hills.
3. Prepare Your Home for Isolation
Properties could be cut off for several days. The Met Office advises gathering essential supplies including torches with spare batteries, candles, matches or lighters, and ample blankets and warm clothing.
4. Keep Your Home Safe and Warm
If snowbound, take these steps to maintain safety and warmth indoors:
- Create a comfortable space for pets.
- Turn off electrical heaters and extinguish fires before bed to prevent fire risks.
- Keep your thermostat at a constant temperature day and night.
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to let warm air circulate pipes and prevent freezing.
- Wear layers of loose-fitting clothing and stay indoors.
- Never use a gas hob to heat your home due to the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.
5. Be Ready for a Power Cut
Have candles, torches, batteries, and a mobile power pack readily available. If the power fails, switch off unused appliances, leave a light on to know when power returns, check on neighbours, and wrap up warm. The free national power cut helpline is 105.
Staying Informed
With disruptive conditions expected, residents are encouraged to follow official updates closely. The combination of heavy snow and potential isolation makes following this official advice crucial for community resilience during Storm Goretti's arrival.
