The West Midlands is bracing for significant snowfall as Storm Goretti approaches, with the Met Office taking the rare step of issuing an amber weather warning for the region.
Timeline of the Snowfall
Detailed weather maps from WX Charts have forecast the precise timeline for the incoming snow. Snow is predicted to start falling over Birmingham from 6pm on Thursday, January 8, with an initial accumulation of around 5cm (2 inches) expected in that first hour.
The intensity is then set to ramp up considerably. By 9pm on Thursday, forecast models indicate snowfall rates could reach 10.1cm (3.9 inches) per hour. The snow will continue through the early hours of Friday, with around 6cm (2.3in) forecast for 3am and a further 1.4cm (0.5in) at 6am.
Amber Warning Details and Impacts
The Met Office amber alert for snow covers Birmingham and the wider West Midlands region. It will be in effect from 8pm on Thursday, January 8, until 9am on Friday, January 9.
The warning explicitly states that heavy snow will lead to:
- Significant travel disruption.
- A good chance that some rural communities could be cut off.
- Possible power cuts.
- Disruption to other services, such as mobile phone coverage.
In its warning, the Met Office said: "Rain associated with Storm Goretti will turn readily to heavy snow on Thursday evening, initially on hills and then to lower levels overnight." It forecasts widespread accumulations of 10 to 15 cm, with a potential for 20 to 30 cm on higher ground, particularly in areas like the Peak District.
Rush Hour Disruption Expected
Although the snow is predicted to stop falling by the Friday morning rush hour, the Met Office cautions that disruption is likely to persist. Roads, pavements, and other surfaces will be left covered, leading to hazardous travel conditions.
The forecaster added a note of uncertainty, stating: "There is some uncertainty over the exact track of Storm Goretti, which will influence the locations most likely to see disruptive snow, and it is possible this warning may be updated." Residents across the West Midlands are being urged to prepare for severe winter weather and to check travel advice before setting out on Friday.
