Motorists across Birmingham and the wider Midlands are being urged to stay off the roads from 6pm on Thursday, 8 January 2026, as a severe amber weather warning for heavy snow comes into force.
Amber Warning Issued for Widespread Snow
The Met Office has issued an amber severe weather warning for the East and West Midlands, which will be active from 6pm on Thursday until 9am on Friday, 9 January. The alert warns of significant snowfall driven by Storm Goretti, which is expected to create hazardous conditions.
National Highways has strongly advised that travel in the affected regions is likely to be severely disrupted and extended. The transport authority is recommending that road users avoid travel in these areas during the alert period if at all possible.
Expected Snowfall and Hazardous Routes
Forecasters predict substantial accumulations, with the potential for 10 to 15 centimetres of snow around key urban centres including Birmingham, Leicester, and Nottingham. Higher routes could see 8-12cm, while lower-level areas may receive 3-8cm.
Neil Armstrong, Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, stated that Storm Goretti will be a "multi-hazard event" for Wales and the Midlands. He warned: "Here accumulations of 5-10cm are likely widely, with 15-25cm in some places, especially hills, and perhaps up to 30cm very locally."
Routes around Birmingham, Leicester, and Nottingham are expected to face "particularly difficult driving conditions."
Urgent Safety Advice for Drivers
Breakdown and motoring organisations have echoed the urgent warnings. Alice Simpson, a spokesperson for the RAC, advised drivers to seriously consider whether their journey is essential.
"As temperatures plummet, breakdowns rise, especially as older, less reliable batteries tend to fail more often in cold conditions," she said. Her key advice for those who must travel includes:
- Allowing significantly more time for every stage of the journey.
- Thoroughly clearing all snow and ice from vehicles before setting off.
- Driving at a reduced speed suitable for the conditions.
National Highways reiterated the call for caution, urging all road users to take extra care. The Met Office has indicated that updates to the warning may be issued as confidence grows in the precise track of Storm Goretti.
