Birmingham is set for a respite from the heavy snowfall that blanketed the city overnight, with forecasters pinpointing the exact hour the flurries will finally cease.
Snowfall Set to Stop Mid-Morning
After hours of persistent snow throughout Thursday night left residents waking to a thick white covering, the Met Office indicates the end is in sight. The amber weather warning for snow covering the Midlands, Wales, and parts of northern England will be lifted at 9am on Friday, January 9. Correspondingly, the hourly forecast shows Birmingham will experience snow from 5am through to 8am, but it will stop at 9am, bringing a welcome pause to the wintry conditions.
Widespread Disruption Across the Region
The impact of Storm Goretti has been significant, causing major travel problems and power outages. Birmingham Airport has suspended all use of its runway due to the conditions. Rail services in Cornwall and Devon have been cancelled, with disruption expected on other lines across the country.
Furthermore, the severe weather has left a trail of damage to infrastructure. More than 65,000 properties are currently without power in south-west England and the Midlands as engineers work to restore electricity.
What's Next for the Weather?
The BBC Weather forecast for Friday suggests a cloudy and windy start with rain and hill snow in southern areas. The north-east will see cloud and wintry showers, while it will be drier elsewhere. The south-west should turn brighter in the afternoon.
Looking ahead to the weekend, the forecast outlines the following pattern:
- Tonight: Variable cloud and occasional showers, turning to snow in Scotland and over southern hills. Winds easing in the south-east.
- Saturday: Coastal showers, possibly turning wintry inland at times. Generally dry elsewhere with patchy fog and winter sunshine.
- Sunday: Cloudy and windy with rain pushing east, bringing snow to Scotland, northern England, and northern Wales. Risk of coastal gales.
- Monday & Tuesday: A breezy Monday with a few showers. Tuesday will become overcast with rain moving in from the south, alongside milder temperatures.
While the immediate snowfall is ending, the aftermath of Storm Goretti continues to affect daily life, with authorities urging caution on the roads and public transport networks.
